Kruger United boss Mongoya backs ‘one win’ to revive Premiership campaign

Kruger United coach Abram Mongoya believes a single victory could transform his side’s fortunes after the newcomers suffered a third defeat in their opening four Premiership matches.

Kruger were beaten 2-0 by Durban City at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, leaving them second from bottom with one point. Their only positive result so far has been a draw.

Despite the difficult start, Mongoya said he was not concerned about the team’s position and felt a first win would provide the confidence needed to change the players’ mindset.

“We will continue to work. We’ve been working on that [scoring goals] is just about maybe getting confidence. One win and I think the mentality will change because all we need is to change that we are not getting the results,” Mongoya told the media after the match.

Kruger have yet to score enough goals to turn their performances into results, but Mongoya said the squad remained committed to its targets and had continued to work hard.

“There is a pressure as a team that we put ourselves in because we have our targets that we want to achieve. I think the boys pushed very hard and made sure they put in a very good shift. I think we are going to score goals and win games. We just need one win.”

The result was also significant for Durban City, who claimed their first league victory of the season. Jean Lwamba and Gaston Sirino scored the goals that secured three points and gave coach Khalil Ben Youssef some relief.

Ben Youssef said his players had been affected by the team’s failure to win in the league and believed the result could help restore confidence.

“We had some mental problems. The team has not won any game in the league, so this match was very important for us, and if we compare the other fixtures, the performance was better,” Ben Youssef said.

Although he felt the performance itself was not at the required level, the Durban City manager said the outcome was the priority as his side looked to build momentum.

“But this time it was not good, but the most important is the results to give us confidence moving forward and make it easier to work.”

Durban City will look to follow up their first win when they host Stellenbosch on 1 September. Kruger United face another demanding fixture on 5 September, when they welcome Orlando Pirates to Mbombela Stadium.

Kruger’s immediate challenge is to convert their effort into points, with Mongoya convinced that one victory could alter the mood around the squad and provide a platform for a stronger Premiership campaign.