I’M HAPPY WITH TEAM - ‘KOKI’

LOBAMBA – Despite going down by a solitary goal to nil, new Mbabane Highlanders head coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati is happy with what he saw on his first day in office.

The reputable gaffer lost to Young Buffaloes in their 2019/20 MTN Premier League first round match at Somhlolo National Stadium on Tuesday night. During a post-match interview, Vilakati said the army side was lucky to score as they could have prevented such. “It was a good game. We started slow because we know Buffaloes’ physique and they played long balls,” he said. The former Manzini Wanderers mentor added that they pressed the army side in the second stanza as they were aware of their transition system of play. “It is now water under the bridge. i am happy with the team and now the focus shifts to preparations for the weekend game and I hope that they will be ready,” said Vilakati.

Experience

The coach said it was not Highlanders’ day and applauded Buffaloes for playing well which he said their performance showed that they boasted vast experience from the continental tournament at which they participated with good game management skills. Buffaloes head coach Dominic Kunene applauded his goalkeeper and captain Nhlanhla Gwebu. “Nhlanhla’s experience worked to our favour. We have not conceded since the start of the season in all three games with his leadership and organisation of the players,” Kunene said. He also highlighted that the team needed to manage fatigue and said they were very happy with the important three points. Kunene further mentioned that they had learnt a lot from their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

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