Madibaz Men Hope to Emulate Women - USSA

Head coach Andrew Beynon mentioned they were delighted to be back on top, but also cognisant of the challenge that lay ahead, saying it was good for them to receive a promotion, but now they need to back it up against the best varsity teams in the country.

 

They will be tested by a series of tough matches throughout the week, which is why they will look no further than just the next game. Beynon explained the goal was to improve their performances with each fixture, and finish strongly. He bargains on a sense of adventure to support the fact that the team doesn’t have experience in the top section. “We will try to play without fear.”

 

It is a fact that the Madibaz will be tested by a serious of tough matches during the week, which is why they will look no further than just the next game.

 

The Madibaz prepared with a weeklong training camp where they tried to replicate the conditions and strength of the opposition they will encounter.

 

“Hopefully, we have gained some good mental and physical benefits from that because we will have to be disciplined and show a willingness to stay in the contest for as long as possible.”

 

Coach believes they will be starved of possession and need to remain resolute before showing quality on the break. Following their relegation in 2022, Kamva Dyakala, men’s captain and goalkeeper mentioned their sights were set on emulating the women’s performance of last year, to re-enter the premier division. This means they will have to finish as top dogs amongst six teams in the section.

 

Kamva believes that consistency, due to an inexperienced team, could be the biggest stumbling block. They will, however head into the USSA’s with solid momentum. They only lost out on a place in the quarterfinals of the KC March Easter Tournament due to goal difference.

 

The onus will be on senior players like Gibbons, Vaupotic and the captain to lead by example. They have been particularly good in the leagues and will want to make that form count. They will also host exciting first-year students Gerhard Rockman and Sachin Padayachee in the midfield, with the captain hoping they will bring the stability and momentum needed.