TS Galaxy boss Esau Mtsweni sees Chiefs defeat as chance to focus on league

TS Galaxy caretaker coach Esau Mtsweni believes their Carling Knockout exit could prove beneficial as the club turns its attention to improving a difficult league campaign.

Galaxy were beaten 3-0 by Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, with Wandile Duba scoring a hat-trick to send them out of the competition.

The Rockets are only three points clear of the relegation zone after winning one of their eight league matches this season. They have also recorded three draws and four defeats.

“I think the most important thing for us now is the league. Maybe this exit was a blessing in disguise to concentrate more on the league because that’s what matters for us,” Mtsweni said.

“I don’t want to say this, but I think it was a blessing in disguise. Obviously we came here to win, but after seeing this performance, I think it was good for us to be eliminated, so that we can concentrate on the real deal.”

The defeat was only Mtsweni’s second match in temporary charge of Galaxy since replacing Bernard Parker a few weeks ago. His first game ended in another 3-0 loss, against Orlando Pirates away in the league.

Mtsweni said the match against Chiefs had exposed concerns over whether some of his players were prepared for the demands of top-flight football.

“Today we saw who’s ready for this level and who’s not ready for this level. I can’t say it’s the fitness [that set the back] because we prepared well. Only the players can say what’s the problem,” the Galaxy interim coach stated.

He also explained the decision to substitute experienced defender Veluyeke Zulu shortly after bringing him on in the second half.

“We brought in an experienced player [Zulu] and took him off again because he didn’t come to the party,” Mtsweni said.

The coach felt Galaxy’s shortcomings had been apparent before the interval, claiming the team lacked the intent required to challenge Kaizer Chiefs.

“It was evident from the first half that things weren’t going our way. We didn’t look like a team that wanted to win. We kept on playing negative passes, and it was very much concerning for me.”