Nthethe-It the coach who feels the pressure
The Free State side have been inconsistent since the turn of the New Year, having lost four and won only two of their seven matches.
With the exception of the 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs, all the defeats came to teams under them on the Absa Premiership log – a Nedbank Cup and a league defeat to Maritzburg United, a 1-0 loss to Platinum Stars, as well as a draw to Black Leopards.
This has seen the club slipping down the league table, and their claim for a top eight finish now is a precarious one – AmaZulu in ninth place, and with a game in hand, are just two points behind, while
Bidvest Wits are a further point back.
Nthethe claims there is no clear explanation for the relative lack of form, saying commitment is certainly not an issue.
“As a team we go into every game determined to get three points. Things are simply not happening and not going our way at the moment.
“It’s at times like these we need to be strong and show character so that we can bounce back,” he told PSL.co.za.
The current Phuya Sele Sele outfit is one mixed in youth and experience. Buhle Mkhwanazi, Ransford Osei, Lethola Mofokeng, Kgosto Moleko, Danny Venter and Angelo Kerspuy are newcomers, or relative newcomers to the league, while Nthethe, Tsietsi Mahoa, Cecil Oerson, Letladi Madubanya and Papi Zothwane are some of the players that bring years of experience to the team.
Nthethe says the senior players are doing their bit to guide the youngsters in the right direction.
“We spoke after the loss to Maritzburg United in PE and said that our performance had not been good enough.
“We said that the coach believes in us as players and as a team and we need to repay him by getting better results and moving up the table – our aim is still to improve on last season’s fifth place finish.
“It the coach who feels the pressure when results are not coming, but it’s us as players who go out on the field and it’s our responsibility.”
The Bloemfontein-born Nthethe is the club’s longest serving player and a one-club man, having made his debut for the team in green and white back in 2004.
He’s seen coaches come and go, but speaks glowingly of the influence Larsen has had, both on and off the field.
“The coach has been here for almost three years now, so I have got to know him well, he’s a good coach.
“He is good at guiding the players, helping them achieve things in their careers, and he encourages us a lot.
“He advises us off the field, how to behave, and how to look after our money and things like that. Being an ex-player he is able to share in his experiences and point out mistakes he has seen made.
“He is always encouraging us to secure ourselves for life after football – Clinton is like a father to us, not just a coach.”
Post a Comment