Mathiane: Saleng And Rayners Subs ‘Killed’ Us
Marumo Gallants interim coach Trevor Mathiane has reflected on his side’s 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, admitting that the introduction of Monnapule Saleng and Iqraam Rayners shifted the home side’s favour.
Gallants ultimately fell short in the encounter, losing 3-1, with Mathiane pointing to the second-half substitutions as the turning point.
The 37-year-old mentor admitted that the introduction of Saleng and Rayners “killed” his side, as they struggled to deal with the renewed attacking threat.
Saleng and Rayners were introduced in the 60th minute for Zuko Mdunyelwa and Brayan León, and their influence was immediate. Rayners went on to play a decisive role by assisting Teboho Mokoena for Sundowns’ third goal, underlining the impact of the tactical change.
“I think when they made the two changes of Saleng and Rayners, that’s where we struggled a bit and that’s why I took (Edgar) Manaka out,” he said.
“I think Manaka was a little bit rusty, he was losing too many balls in the middle, and we decided to introduce (Siyabonga) Nhlapho so that he can strengthen the midfield.”
The result leaves Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in 14th place on the Betway Premiership standings, with just 18 points from 22 matches, as their fight to climb away from the relegation zone continues.
Despite their current position, Mathiane remains confident that his side can turn things around and finish strongly this season.
“Yeah, there is hope that we will get out of the relegation zone because I believe in my boys,” he added.
“We have good players on our team. I do believe we will make it to the top eight.
“I’m not even talking about relegation, we were playing against Sundowns, not a small team, and with the quality my boys have, I believe we will make it to the top eight.”
Gallants will now look to regroup during the FIFA international break before returning to action against Magesi FC on April 7 away from home, where they will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and begin their push up the table.
