On their 3-1 win over AmaZulu FC
We've been working hard for our second win of the season since beating Orlando Pirates last year. Each and every player in our team knew what was at stake and we were switched on for the entire game. Our performance was on point and if we can continue playing this way, I have no doubt that we will kill a lot of teams in the league. Before this match, we spent more than a month without playing due to the Africa Cup of Nations, so we knew that this game was not going to be easy. But fortunately, we knew how AmaZulu approach matches as far as their players are concerned. We watched a lot of our previous games just to see where we made mistakes, what we could do to beat them and which players could be suitable to play against them. We looked at those things in detail. Funnily enough, during the match we didn't even press too high – we were in the middle block for most of the game and every danger that came through, we took care of it. We forced them wide because we know how to deal with crosses. We had players who were there to deal with crosses and others, like myself, who dealt with second balls. Fifteen minutes into the game, I scored the first goal and that was a great feeling. We knew that we had a chance of scoring first, but we didn't know when that would be. Plus, now I know what it feels like to score and I believe that there is more to come later in the season. I just have to take more shots on target. Midway through the first half, (Abbubaker) Mobara scored for them. We didn't want them to score and when that happened, there was a bit of disappointment. There were a few disappointed faces after conceding that goal. But we were also positive that there were more chances that we could create because the match was wide open. We dealt well with that setback and managed to get back into the match.
On how they handled the second half
At half-time, the atmosphere was a little bit relaxed and the coach (Ernst Middendorp) told us not to panic. Before half-time, we had a chance to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot, but we missed it. So, the coach said we just needed to focus on finishing every chance. He went into detail about the changes he wanted to make. When we missed the penalty, we were not frustrated. When we were awarded the penalty, I wanted to take it, but at the same time I realised that Boitumelo (Radiopane) was coming back from injury and needed a goal to build his confidence. I made that decision (to give him the ball for the penalty), but after he missed, there was no shouting or yelling. Players just said, 'Don't worry, we will get another chance to score.' A few minutes into the second half, we made it 2-1 through Ashley (Cupido) and we felt that we could control the game. At the same time, we knew that AmaZulu could create chances and score because they had a few chances in the second half. We controlled the game, but it was 50-50 when it came to creating goalscoring opportunities. Deep down inside, we knew that AmaZulu were capable of scoring. If they had scored the second goal, to people that was going to look like we are a team that cannot control matches. A few minutes to the end of the match, we made it 3-1. If Ashley had missed that opportunity, that was going to put us under pressure. It was a big relief when we scored and we were more relaxed. We knew that even if they scored the second goal, we had a two-goal cushion.
On usually playing well and failing to win
This season, we have been playing well even in matches that we lost, but the problem is that we haven't been able to prevent losses. The wins against Pirates and AmaZulu were not the only matches where we performed well. Our problem is consistency – we try our best to win but just cannot be consistent. Even the coaches are telling us that in the PSL, if we don't take our chances we will be punished because this is a professional level. At this level, you only get an opportunity to score once in a while and if you don't take it, that will come back and bite you. Every time we miss an opportunity, the opponents will create and score – that happens all the time. If we can be able to take our chances, we will win matches. The consistency and punishing opponents is something that we need to work on. Yes, beautiful football, we have it and we can match our opponents pound-for-pound, but we are not winning consistently. That is our problem.
During the Africa Cup of Nations break, we were training hard and playing a few friendly matches to be ready because we all know what is at stake. The difference between us and Richards Bay FC, who are in position 15, is six points. We are positive and we are working hard to close the gap. We are working hard at training and our mentality has changed because we have had a few punches in the first round of the league. If we didn't learn our lessons from the first round, then what will be the use of playing? Personally, I've learnt a lot and I wish I can play in this league for a long time. It's completely different from the Motsepe Foundation Championship in terms of professionalism. I'm more composed on and off the ball and every decision that you make as a player is very important. You need to be at the right place at the right time. Of course, you are not going to make the correct decision all the time because as humans we are not perfect, but you need to prevent those mistakes. If you look at most players in this league, they don't make a lot of mistakes because they are very hungry to succeed. If you make a mistake, they will punish you. Those are lessons that I've learned in the last few months.
On what the future holds
Ever since I started playing football, it has always been my dream to play at this level. I had big dreams from a very young age and I didn't know that it would feel this way to finally play in the DStv Premiership. Despite losing matches at the beginning of the season, I'm really enjoying my football. The best part about playing football is reaching the highest level, and now that I'm here, I can't throw this opportunity away now. I've been playing for Ajax Cape Town since the age of 13 and all the Cape Town players who reached the PSL, like Mark Mayambela, I looked up to them. I was telling them that I also wanted to be at that level because I could see the 'soft life' they lived and the treatment they received – I wanted to taste it. Players like Keagan Dolly as well, I used to watch them. I used to play amateur football in Langa township and my football spoke for itself because there were scouts who spotted me. Sergio Dos Santos and Mr Louis (De Faria) came to watch me and convinced me to join Ajax and I didn't hesitate taking the opportunity. There were lots of players who came from Langa and played for this club, like Gareth Ncaca. I also want to make the same mark as them. I want to be part of this league next season and I will do everything to help Cape Town Spurs.
Chumani Butsaka,
Cape Town Spurs captain
