Following AmaZulu’s 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership, head coach Pablo Franco Martin shared his thoughts on what took place in the match.
A late goal from Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured that the Buccaneers walked away with all three points, which was unlucky for Usuthu as they held their ground well despite being a man down until the dying minutes.
It was the second time that the team faced a defeat against Jose Riveiro’s players, after being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup at the quarterfinal stage recently.
“Once more the same story in within a week, we played an icy match. When we were playing 11 against 11, we hammered them and took the chances, we hit the post, there was only one team on the pitch,” said Franco Martin.
“With one man down, we were capable of containing them. We were capable of overcoming the difficult situations and finish well in the first half.”
According to the coach’s analysis, Usuthu dominated the beginning of the second half but unfortunately they conceded late because of the red card earlier in the game and their opponents took advantage.
Franco Martin also felt that the way that the team celebrated when they scored showed that they were worthy opponents and it was a hard fought win for them.
“I can only feel proud of what my team is doing by competing at this level,” he echoed.
“It’s a pity that once again we have to talk about finishing a game with no points and no reward.”
AmaZulu’s next DStv Premiership match will be against Chippa United on Saturday, 27 April at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the team will have a chance to focus on ending the season on a more positive note with the remaining fixtures.
