Marumo Gallants boss Phuti Mohafe identifies finishing as key problem after Sundowns defeat

Marumo Gallants coach Phuti Mohafe says his side’s inability to convert chances is the main reason for their difficult start to the season after Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Gallants remain without a win and have collected only one point from their opening three matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Mohafe believes the team’s performances have shown some improvement, but their lack of goals continues to undermine their efforts.

Against the reigning champions, Gallants expected to spend long periods without possession. However, the visitors created opportunities when they did have the ball and were frustrated by their failure to finish them.

“All I can say is we created goals, but they couldn’t pass the line hence I’ve said what we’re going to do when we have the ball, we got the ball, it’s not going to be a problem, but the problem would be when we have the ball,” Mohafe told SuperSport TV.

The Gallants coach pointed to several chances from set-pieces, including an effort by Sikhakhane that went narrowly wide and two opportunities created by Otladisa. Phillips also arrived late in the penalty area as Gallants tried to threaten the Sundowns defence.

“We had the ball not so much, but we created opportunities, but we still missed the opportunities we had created. There was a other one that I thought it was a goal from Sikhakhane just next to the pole there, it was a set-piece and the other two from the set-piece from Otladisa.

“Phillips arrived late in the box, so I think we created as team that didn’t have much of the ball, but we have to look into our finishing, into our creativity because I think that’s where we are lacking right now,” he added.

Gallants have scored only once in their first three games. Mohafe said they could have taken something from the match against Mamelodi Sundowns had they been more clinical, while acknowledging that the team’s overall display offered encouragement.

“I think we’re showing the signs of improvement, but the matter with us is not scoring so I don’t think we’re that bad it’s just that we are not scoring if we can score or had scored one maybe, the score could’ve been 2-1 or 2-2.

“But I think we just need to put the ball in the back of the net. We need the luck more than other team, we’re playing a team that’s also in the region of where we are. But I think we just need to focus more and more in scoring,” Mohafe said.

The early-season pressure will continue with a meeting against fellow strugglers TS Galaxy in Gallants’ next fixture. TS Galaxy are also yet to win and have two points from their opening matches.

Mohafe’s side will therefore face opponents in a similar position, but the coach knows that improved finishing will be essential if Gallants are to move away from the foot of the table.