Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu takes full blame after 4-1 defeat to Herentals

Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu has taken full responsibility for his side’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Herentals FC, admitting his team failed to match their opponents in all departments during the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.

The defeat marked one of Simba Bhora’s heaviest losses of the season and dealt a major blow to their momentum in the title race.

Speaking after the match, Mpofu did not shy away from criticism, saying the responsibility rests on him as head coach.

“Today we did not do well, I apologise to the supporters they came in numbers. I also apologise again to the management and everyone at the club.

“I’m responsible as a coach, I need to make sure that I do my homework, make sure that we win our next game as much as possible,” he said.

The former Highlanders FC coach admitted his players struggled defensively and failed to respond after conceding a first half goal, which was scored by Herentals’s forwad Milton Chimedza in the 23rd minute.

Coming back to the second half, Simba were down to 10 men in the 67th minute after goalkeeper First Gandizani was red carded for fouling striker Lot Chiwunga in the box.

This led to a penalty which was scored by inform midfielder Ralph Kawondera, who is now on nine goals.

The Students came back 12 minutes later to make it three, thanks to Lot Chiwunga who fired in a bottom corner shot to beat goalkeeper Willam Thole.

In response Simba Bhora went on to score a consolation goal through Blessed Ndereki in the 90th minute, before Clemence Gobvu made it 4-1 for Herengals three minutes later.

Speaking after the game Herentals coach Paul Benza said, the match was perfect pay back by his team.

“We lost to Simba home and away last season, and this was a perfect pay back for us.

“I am happy for the boys and as a coach it is good to collect maximum points,” he said.

Herentals have gone for eight games without recording a defeat, making one of the best run so far in their league history.

Meanwhile , Ngezi Platinum recorded a 4-2 win against Bulawayo Chiefs at Baobab, while Scottland bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Chicken Inn at Barbourfields.

The post Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu takes full blame after 4-1 defeat to Herentals appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.

المصدر: NewZimbabwe