After Wednesday’s 1-0 KwaZulu-Natal derby defeat to Richards Bay FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, under pressure AmaZulu coach Brandon Truter is confident that his team was unfortunate.
Usuthu suffered its third straight league loss as a result of the loss. Additionally, they have lost five straight games in all competitions.
We did not deserve to lose, based on the way we played. Up until the lightning struck, we were moving forward. Despite our efforts, we continued to pass up opportunities.
We unnecessarily conceded a free kick. When we watched the ball the second time, they pounced on it before we could score. The owners and I are not pleased with the outcome, according to Truter.
Truter acknowledged that he is now under pressure, despite the harsh criticism his methods have received for seeming to be defensive.
The former Swallows FC coach was tasked by AmaZulu President Sandile Zungu to bring the team its first major prize since 1992 before the start of the current campaign.
While AmaZulu is most likely out of the running for the league championship, they are still in the MTN 8 and will play Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg of their semifinal later this month.
Last weekend in Johannesburg, the first leg finished in a 1-1 draw.
“I feel pressure to do well in a game. Both the players and I can sense it. We arrive with the goal of triumphing. Lehlohonolo Majoro, the Major, had a chance to score. I do not feel good or joyful at all. I’m under a little strain right now.
We could have moved up to second if we had won by two goals today. We are now feeling the pressure. Despite the fact that we have a top-four competent squad, the results do not support this (that).
The littler things need to be developed for us. It’s important to develop each team member individually, according to Truter.
As a consequence, Richards Bay moved up to second position behind Mamelodi Sundowns, preventing AmaZulu from possibly overtaking them. The Natal Rich Boyz, who are making their top-flight debut this year, have been the league’s biggest surprise so far.
Prior to traveling back to KwaZulu-Natal to meet Maritzburg United, AmaZulu will play their next match at the Orlando Stadium against the Orlando Pirates.
Truter said that his team’s performance is being hindered by depletion.
It remains challenging. With all due respect to the individuals that participated today, we are down seven players. We also experience sickness and injuries. The team is thin, according to Truter.