Tshakhuma Tshamadzivhandila (TTM) coach Lucky "Mr Up and Down" Nelukau has acknowledged the pressure on him and his technical team as their poor start to the season continues. TTM fell 1-0 to Musina United at the Musina Rugby Stadium on Saturday, their second defeat in three matches. They previously lost 2-0 to Mpheni Defenders and drew 1-1 with Mukondeni Young Chiefs, collecting just one point so far.
Despite their league struggles, TTM have qualified for the Nedbank Cup as Limpopo's ABC Motsepe League representatives and are awaiting the outcome of the inter-regional playoffs.
Nelukau conceded that Saturday's performance was below standard but insisted the team had shown promise in earlier fixtures. He said they had created chances, enjoyed possession and dominated play, even if the results had not reflected that. He added that the squad included several young players who were still adapting to the demands of the league.
"Yes, today we were not at our best, we must admit that, but based on the performances of our first two games, we were good," he said. "Although we lost the last two games, we are coming from good performances without the results."
"Ideally, we would have liked to win the game. But remember, we also have youngsters in the team. We're getting them used to the league and are confident that it will come right, going forward," he said.
Musina United assistant coach Luvhengo Mungomeni said the win showed the team's growing structure and confidence. He praised their improving attack and strong defence and said he believed they had assembled a squad capable of pushing for promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season.