Pretoria – Baffled by Mamelodi Sundowns’ substandard performance against University of Pretoria, coach Pitso Mosimane played the blame-game when explaining the 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“I thought the pitch was a bit heavy and they (Tuks) are used to it. And the ball that we used – I don’t know what kind of ball is that. I told the players let’s not focus on the ball. Both teams play with the ball but they train with it,” Mosimane said.
A valiant AmaTuks gave the defending champions a scare as they held them to a draw at the Tuks Stadium.
Sundowns subsequently failed to close the lead held by Kaizer Chiefs atop the table which now stands at 15 points.
The university club took the lead through a Thabo Mnyamane tap-in in the 36th minute after Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene parried the ball in his path through a Geoffrey Massa free-kick.
AmaTuks dominated the first-half, but Sundowns replied in the second with Khama Billiat scoring from close range in the 50th minute.
With Sundowns having failed to show impetus, Mosimane bemoaned his team’s lack of edge during the encounter.
“We had a very disappointing first-half we woke up too late. As a coach you try not to put too much pressure but try to address the issues.
“Let’s be honest it’s a game we should have won not to disrespect our opponent. We should have done better.
“I spoke with the players before the game that it was a dangerous game for us and that we could not afford to get complacent. But we started slow and we just could not get going.”
Once again Sundowns conceded from a set-piece play as AmaTuks punished Mweene for his mistake.
An annoyed Mosimane lambasted his team’s defensive effort and vowed to continue to work on it in training.
“We lost concentration and we just have to keep working on it. We conceded the goal, but I didn’t panic because I knew that we would score.”
AmaTuks remain in search of their first win since the departure of former coach Steve Barker to AmaZulu, having lost one and drawn two in that time.
Replacement coach Sammy Troughton heaped praise on his players for showing fearless courage against the Premiership heavyweights.
“We said at half-time let’s keep it tight in the first few minute but they got the goal,” Troughton said.
“I am very happy with the player’s commitment. Our players managed to do well against a team with so much quality at their disposal.”
In their quest for a win, Troughton said they would continue to be bold in their approach in upcoming fixtures.
“We have to be brave and go for it to get three points.
“With the position we are in, we have decided we can’t wait for the opposition to come to us. We have to be disciplined and we have to get better.”
AmaTuks face Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Sundowns take on Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday. – Sapa