DURBAN - Even after more than a month’s mid-season break, a 10-day recess will be welcomed by Maritzburg United’s new coach Roger de Sa who looks to fine-tune several aspects of their game.
Playing friendly matches against neighbouring NFD teams helped De Sa familiarise himself with the squad following his appointment as head coach last month. Competitive matches are a different prospect altogether, and the coach learnt a few things about his squad after a draw and a loss since the restart of the Absa Premiership last week.
Maritzburg drew 1-1 at Polokwane City, followed by the weekend’s 2-1 home defeat against Kaizer Chiefs, results which saw them drop back to eighth spot after they climbed one position earlier in the week.
Given a 10-day break until they travel to Supersport United for their next league assignment, De Sa has some homework for his charges.
Certain players need to lift their game, and as a team Maritzburg must improve on their “match management,” noted De Sa.
“In the first half there were some good moments but our match management has got to improve. We equalised and then we played like we were chasing the result. We’ve got to manage the game better,” he said of the showing against Chiefs on Saturday.
While there were words of praise for youngsters Lebohang Maboe, Dumisani Shandu and Siphesihle Ndlovu, who made his home debut, the coach felt international pair Deolin Mekoa and Evans Rusike could offer more.
“I honestly think Evans can give us more, and Deolin as well.
“It will be good to have Kurt (Lentjies) and (Andrea) Fileccia back for the next game. At least we will have a few more options.
“During the break one or two players need to get a lot sharper.
“We had a good moment when we equalised and there were a few half chances but we were still not clinical enough.
“We should have been more composed and consolidated our position. It’s a learning process, especially with lots of young players, so we’ll sit and show them the video,” De Sa added.
Specifically, the coach aims to improve the quality of their attacking moves.
That’s where Under-23 international winger Mekoa and Zimbabwean striker Rusike play key roles.
“Our threats were not that great, and the delivery of our set pieces has got to be better,” he added.
For the trip to Supersport next week the Team of Choice will welcome back from suspension midfielder Lentjies and Belgian striker Fileccia who has recovered from injury.
The other local side, Golden Arrows, will miss striker Chiukepo Msowoya when they host Free State Stars this weekend.
Malawian Msowoya was sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 home win over former team Bloemfontein Celtic.