Polokwane City turn to MTN8 break to shore up defensive problems, says Moloto

Polokwane City coach Bayano Moloto says the MTN8 break has arrived at the right time as his side work to address a defence that has conceded nine goals in their opening four matches of the season.

Rise and Shine have allowed three goals in the league and six in the MTN8, with Moloto acknowledging that their defensive record is a concern. The coach wants to use the pause in the schedule to improve the team’s organisation before their next Betway Premiership fixture against newcomers Milford on 26 August.

“If you want to be in a good position, you should not concede. We just give away goals, but it is something that we are working on,” Moloto said.

Polokwane City’s defensive difficulties were evident in their 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns, when they conceded three times. They had also allowed two goals against Sekhukhune United in their most recent league match, three in a 3-3 draw with Stellenbosch and one against Richards Bay in their opening game of the campaign.

Despite those results, Moloto believes the team has made progress in certain defensive situations, particularly when defending set plays.

However, he is “happy that in a set play we are much better and we’ve improved a lot”.

The MTN8 break follows a demanding period in which Polokwane City played three matches in six days. Moloto said the extra preparation time would allow his players to recover physically while giving the coaching staff an opportunity to work more thoroughly on defensive details.

“The cup break came at a good time because playing three games in six days takes a lot, so it gives us more time to prepare,” he said.

The coach also praised the attitude shown by his players in their latest league match against Sekhukhune United, despite the defeat. He said the performance provided a foundation on which the team could build when they return to action.

“[We need] more time to recover and do things right. I was happy with the performance against Sekhukhune. We lost with pride, and our boys fought hard, and we will build from this performance for the next game.”

Polokwane City have also been without defender Thabang Matuludi so far this season. He has yet to feature for the club because of an injury and fitness concern after returning from the Fifa World Cup with Bafana Bafana.

His absence has left the side appearing short of experience and stability in defence, although the break gives Moloto time to prepare the rest of his squad for the challenge ahead.

Rise and Shine will now focus on correcting the mistakes that have led to their high goals-against tally before facing Milford in the Betway Premiership on 26 August.

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