Zebras coach optimistic despite two draws
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday July 2, 2024 09:52
Zebras kicked off their COSAFA Cup campaign against Eswatini on Thursday last week and played to a 0-0 draw. Interestingly, the other Group A match between South Africa and Mozambique ended in a 1-1 draw, throwing the group wide open. On Saturday, the young Zebras side took on the hosts, South Africa, and maintained their good work defensively. Against both Eswatini and South Africa, Zebras looked compact defensively, with goalkeeper, Victor James showing once again that he is the one for the future. Following the draw against South Africa, Da Rosa said they will do everything possible to win their last match of the group against Mozambique on Tuesday.
“For sure we need to change a little bit the tactical system, be more offensive. We don’t have too many players outside the country. We have our target, which is to develop these young players and this tournament is important to us,” Da Rosa told journalists after the match against South Africa. He said they will do their best against Mozambique to win and possibly qualify for the next stage of the tournament. The best the Zebras have done in the tournament was reaching the final when they were under the tutelage of the late mentor, David Bright. South Africa currently top the group although all the four teams have the same number of points (two). They are group leaders by virtue of fair play record with one fewer yellow card than Mozambique. Zebras and eSwatini are yet to find the back of the net at this year’s tournament. All the three group winners will automatically qualify for the semi finals and will be joined by the best runners up.