Bloemfontein Celtic coach John Maduka believes his team did well despite drawing 1-1 with Chippa United in a DStv Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung on Saturday.
Phunya Sele Sele, who scored first through Victor Letsoalo’s penalty, played the entire second half with 10 men after Mbhazima Rikhotso was sent off a minute before half time following a very bad tackle on Chilli Boys striker Anthony Laffor.
The Chilli Boys replied with Bienvenu Eva Nga’s goal later in the match.
“I think we started the game very well. You could see that we controlled the game and even scored. We controlled the game for the better part of the first half until that moment when one player was sent off,” Maduka said.
Phunya Sele Sele were forced to change their approach to the match after they were reduced to 10 men.
“Second half we had to change everything. It also changed our game plan. Now you play with 10 men against a team that has got more skilful players going forward. So we had to change everything and try to compete for the battle in the midfield until 72 minutes we lost concentration and got punished. But other than that mistake we made on the goal, we defended well, especially playing against Chippa,” Maduka said.
The former Celtic and Mthatha Bucks midfielder will now have more time to prepare Phunya Sele Sele for their next game, which is away to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday, 24 February.
