DESPITE crashing out of Nedbank Cup by losing 3-1 to arch-rivals Golden Arrows in the Last 32 round, Maritzburg United coach Roger de Sa is happy with his charges’ attitude.
Maritzburg lost their second KwaZulu-Natal derby in the space of eight days at the weekend.
Now De Sa will focus on the Absa Premiership, where United are away to struggling Highlands Park in a league clash at Makhulong Stadium on Sunday.
Said De Sa: “What is left for us now this season is to focus on the league. We have a target of 30 points we need to achieve. We will approach every game like a cup final. We need to win as many games as we can, starting this weekend against Highlands.”
The Team of Choice only came alive in the second half of their match against Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday. That is also when they got their consolation goal thanks to Lebohang Maboe. The first stanza went to Arrows – and they even got all their goals in that half, courtesy of Sibusiso Sibeko, Lerato Lamola and Kudakwashe Mahachi respectively.
Said De Sa: “Arrows hit us with three quick goals in the first half and we weren’t able to respond. But the second half was better for us. We played well and pressed hard, but the damage had already been done.
“I take positives from the second half. The players’ attitude was good. We will need that attitude in our remaining league matches.”
However, De Sa voiced his disappointment about their early exit from a tournament he won with Bidvest Wits seven years ago.
“I don’t like losing, even in friendly matches I hate coming second. I’m obviously disappointed with the result. I really wanted to go a long way in this competition.
“We need to go back and watch the video to see where we went wrong – and fix it,” said De Sa.