TTM Assistant Coach Mpho Maleka says the team showed character in their penalty shootout win over Swallows in the Nedbank Cup on the weekend.
After a 2-2 draw, Washington Arubi saved two penalties to secure TTM’s spot in the quarter finals, where they will play Black Leopards.
Maleka was disappointed to concede goals the way they did in the game, but was happy with how the team responded.
“Firstly, let me say thanks to the guys for the job well done and following the game plan, as much as we expected how Swallows they can come at us,” Maleka said after the win.
“And look, we knew that they can concede, and we have proven it. Unfortunately for us to concede two goals, yes, it is homework for us, as much as we say the game is a teacher.”
“But after we scored, we gave a setpiece away and they scored again. But to go into the halftime we were worried, but we had to say guys look, be calm, try to focus more and rectify your mistakes. As much as we knew they’re still going to concede, but for us, the way we conceded goals through set pieces, of which we knew was the only way they can score, and needlessly we gave it away but knew exactly what to expect.”
“But character was shown, we can be proud and take it home to the next match to say guys with this character, with this dedication, it is gonna give us the edge going for it and this is a good injection for the guy going to face the league and try to up the ladder.”
