06 Nov 2023

Despite falling heavy on the sword of Gaborone United (GU), Matebele FC will take the loss as a lesson learnt rather than an occasion for self criticism.

Speaking in an interview after a 5-0 drubbing by Moyagoleele on Sunday,  Matebele FC coach, Woody Jacobs said after a blistering start in the elite league, it was perhaps good that his team got a shake up to avoid complacency.

“The loss is a bitter pill to swallow but I also think it’s good, especially that it happened to the players; it happened so that they take stock of themselves and know where to improve,” he said.

Jacobs said his team’s main undoing was lapses in concentration, but said every game presents learning material, which they would use to get back on their feet.

He also credited GU for being ruthless whenever his team presented them with chances.

“We made some mistakes at the back, and being 3-0 down within 30 minutes was always going to be a tall order to get the team back,” he said.

He also said despite his team having a poor first half, he was encouraged by the much-improved second half, although he admitted that their naivety helped GU to add another two goals.

Jacobs also said although it was overwhelming to lose with a big score, his charges should not be judged harshly from their last two loses looking as they lost against high calibre opponents in Orapa United and GU.

The winning coach, Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi also said despite the loss, Matebele FC were not as bad as the results reflected.

“In all fairness, I think the score line was too harsh on them.

 They are a good team with an intelligent coach and I think they were just undone by the margin,” he said.

Turning to his team, Moloi said he was more happy with the performance than the score.

GU will face cross-town rivals, Township Rollers, in their next assignment. Moloi said the win against Matebele could not have given them a better morale.

“The morale should be high against our next opponent.

It’s a derby and players do not need me or anybody else to motivate them because bragging rights are at stake.

We will be very much ready for the derby,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Matebele FC will take on Sua Flamingoes in their next assignment, where Jacobs is hopeful they would have worked on their grey areas, especially the defence. ENDS