Masuluke penalty miss not to blame for Polokwane City exit, says Sentane

Polokwane City assistant coach Sheppard Sentane says goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke was deliberately selected to take a penalty in their Carling Knockout Cup defeat by Siwelele FC.

The last-16 tie at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra time, sending the match to a shootout.

Siwelele, despite being reduced to 10 men, progressed after Jody February saved two penalties, including Masuluke’s effort.

Sentane, who took charge in the absence of head coach Willy Moloto, said Masuluke’s inclusion in the shootout was based on his performances in training rather than a last-minute decision.

“It’s not just an overnight thing,” said Sentane.

“You see, we practiced those things. We have been practicing, he’s been kicking good penalties, so we cannot change it now. He was one of the players that we assigned to go and do the business for us but unfortunately, he missed.”

Masuluke, a former Stellenbosch goalkeeper, was one of the players chosen by the technical team to take a spot-kick. Sentane said the goalkeeper should not be held responsible for Polokwane City’s elimination.

“We win as a team, we lose as a team. I cannot fault him because there is no player that can go in there and aim to go and miss the penalty,” he added.

Sentane said the outcome could easily have been different had Masuluke converted his attempt.

“If he could have scored, we could have been celebrating so you have to understand,” he said.

The assistant coach urged the players to recover from the disappointment and focus on their next fixture.

“What we have to do now is to go back to the drawing board and also try to motivate them to say they must keep their heads up and look for the next game.”