Posted in News, Youth Academy on Apr 15, 2019.
Kaizer Chiefs Reserves’ hopes of defending their MultiChoice Diski Shield (MDS) was not to be after playing to a 1-all draw with their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates Reserves on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, netting the opening goal.
“Thereafter we went all out in attack,” reflected coach Arthur Zwane, “because we needed to score goals to have a chance of advancing to the semis.
“Pirates didn’t attack much, as we pressurised them throughout. We didn’t capitalise on our dominance and forays in their box, however. We needed an early goal in the second half, but our finishing was not spot on.”
Zwane brought on two substitutions – Sibusiso Milazi (60’) for Itumeleng Shopane and Yaseen Bunting (77’) for Lebohang Lesako.
Amakhosi left it late to level matters with a well-taken strike in the referee’s optional time (96th minute) from substitute Milazi.
The draw means that Chiefs finish Group A with a win, a loss and a draw. As a result of this, the reigning champions, Amakhosi, will not be able to defend their trophy.
“It’s about the bigger picture,” Zwane points out. “For sure, I’m disappointed, but I look at our overall performance and appreciate the effort the boys put in.
But also, I smile when I see Given Thibedi and Njabulo Blom sitting on the bench in Thohoyandou. A few weeks ago, they were still playing for the reserves and now they were part of the matchday squad to face Black Leopards. Those things make me happy, as that’s what development is all about.”
The Buccaneers broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, netting the opening goal.
“Thereafter we went all out in attack,” reflected coach Arthur Zwane, “because we needed to score goals to have a chance of advancing to the semis.
“Pirates didn’t attack much, as we pressurised them throughout. We didn’t capitalise on our dominance and forays in their box, however. We needed an early goal in the second half, but our finishing was not spot on.”
Zwane brought on two substitutions – Sibusiso Milazi (60’) for Itumeleng Shopane and Yaseen Bunting (77’) for Lebohang Lesako.
Amakhosi left it late to level matters with a well-taken strike in the referee’s optional time (96th minute) from substitute Milazi.
The draw means that Chiefs finish Group A with a win, a loss and a draw. As a result of this, the reigning champions, Amakhosi, will not be able to defend their trophy.
“It’s about the bigger picture,” Zwane points out. “For sure, I’m disappointed, but I look at our overall performance and appreciate the effort the boys put in.
But also, I smile when I see Given Thibedi and Njabulo Blom sitting on the bench in Thohoyandou. A few weeks ago, they were still playing for the reserves and now they were part of the matchday squad to face Black Leopards. Those things make me happy, as that’s what development is all about.”
