SOCCER – MONENI Pirates head coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala has hailed the versatility of Ncomo Gina, saying the midfielder can be deployed in any position on the pitch, including as a striker.
Mosala made the remarks after Gina scored against his former club, Mbabane Swallows, in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the MTN Premier League at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
Gina was named man of the match after helping the Buccaneers recover from a sluggish first-half performance to take the lead before Trevor Kunene’s late equaliser denied them victory.
The former Swallows midfielder was moved forward to spearhead the attack after striker Senanelo Nkambule was withdrawn in the second half.
Mosala said Pirates had struggled in the opening period, allowing their opponents to gain an advantage before tactical changes helped them regain control of the contest.
“I think we did not have a good first half.
It is for the second time where we do not have a good first half and concede, but today we managed to come back in the second half after a couple of changes,” he said.
The coach also stressed the importance of introducing younger players, believing their energy and ability could prove valuable as the season progresses.
“I think it is about time to play these young ones because they have energy and can play. We put one or two of them and they kept us in the game,” Mosala said.
Pirates had hoped to collect maximum points against the capital city giants and move to the top of the league standings, but had to settle for a share of the spoils after conceding at the death.
Despite the disappointment, Mosala viewed the result positively, emphasising that every point could prove important in a lengthy league campaign.
“It is a point gained because everything that you get from a game is important. Remember we are still going far here. Together with everyone, we wanted to go top of the table today, but unfortunately it did not happen,” he said.
The coach urged his charges to remain focused on their objectives, insisting that there was still plenty of football to be played.
“But we have to remain positive and keep on going until the end,” he added.
Mosala also revealed that Pirates still had a striker unavailable, making Gina’s adaptability particularly valuable to the team.
“We still have a striker that is still not available, and Ncomo Gina is the versatile player who can play from the goals up to position eleven. I have done it before, using him as a striker in friendly games, and he scored goals. Luckily, he scored again today,” he said.
Gina restored parity for Pirates in the 73rd minute when he rose to meet Muhle Mamba’s free-kick with a powerful header. Wamukelwe Dlamini then put the Buccaneers ahead six minutes later.
However, Kunene struck at the death to ensure the teams shared the points in a four-goal thriller.
