Zapata bemoans lack of depth
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday October 25, 2016 13:51
GU have won only one match, drew two and lost one. They sit at position seven with five points, three behind log leaders, Township Rollers.
“Everybody knows that GU had lots of problems during the pre-season and everybody knows we could not bring new players to the team. In May when I left, I left behind a training programme and the list of players I wanted,” Zapata said.
“Unfortunately we could not bring them. I had the chance to play against them, three of them today (last Saturday),” he added. He said the departure of Benson Shilongo has also left a void in the team but expressed confidence that as a “small group”, they will do well. “I am very proud of my players because they work very hard,” he said.
GU kicked off their season well when they beat Police XI 2-0 but went onto to record draws against Jwaneng Galaxy and Black Forest. Against Galaxy they took the lead with a brilliant goal from Edwin Olerile before Thero Setsile cancelled it out.
They went on to record another stalemate against Black Forest last Wednesday. He said the four points lost against both Orapa United and Galaxy were against very good sides who are candidates for the championship.
“Against Black Forest, there was a delay with the referees. We warmed up for two hours waiting for the referees and then we played for an hour and a half. So it was three hours and half training session. Then we had to rest on Thursday and Friday and we are here now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Black Forest maintained their good start to the maiden season in the Premier League when they beat Gilport Lions 2-0 on Sunday. Before Sunday, Forest had already denied two giants, Rollers and GU maximum points. The Sunday victory saw them move to position six on the log with five points. Mahalapye Hotspurs also registered their first victory of the season when they beat Nico United 1-0 on Sunday. Defending champions, Rollers, have displaced Extension Gunners at the summit of the league table following their 2-1 victory over Galaxy with a Terrence Mandaza double on Saturday. The Zimbabwean forward has now scored five goals in four matches. Rollers have accumulated eight points from four games together with Orapa United and Gunners. Gunners have dropped to position three after their 0-0 draw against BDF XI. Matebele are in position four with seven points but have a game in hand.