Komphela – Swallows Must Not Solely Depend on Mabasa

Moroka Swallows coach Steve Komphela says that maintaining a third consecutive clean sheet is a positive for his defense, but he also acknowledged the need to find solutions when Tshegofatso Mabasa doesn’t score.

Swallows played to a 0-0 draw with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, placing them in fifth position on the DStv Premiership log with 17 points.

City had clearer chances in the match, which Daniel Akpeyi and his teammates dealt with. Komphela praised his backline, stating that they did a great job in containing players like Oswin Appollis.

“In my opinion, achieving a clean sheet is a positive from a defensive perspective, although we know that based on our desire and standards, a clean sheet is acceptable. However, on another day, we could have been unlucky and conceded a goal,” said Komphela.

“So we need to be so organized that the opposition questions how they will penetrate our defense.

“Credit must be given to the center-back Vusi Sibiya, Kegan Allan, Keenan Phillips, and Bongani Sam for their good performance, as well as the screening by Bara Phalane and AJ, even though we had some issues with Appollis on the left. When he moved inside, he found space, but we were able to adjust and close that space.

“I have a good feeling that although they had a great chance, Akpeyi made a save. They also hit the post and had opportunities, which we also had, but we could have been more clear and decisive in our finishing.”

However, the Swallows coach also emphasized that his team should not rely on one player for goals in the future.

“I believe that in the final third, we need to be more precise and effective in order to start scoring, and it shouldn’t be the case that if Mabasa is not scoring, then we don’t score,” he added.

“So we need to work on that, but in terms of build-up from the back and in the midfield, we were perfect, even though at times I think we were a bit exposed.”