Tshepo Molwane
31 October 2008
Cape Town Santos' coach David Bright was upbeat after watching his youthful side beat Free State Stars 2-0 in the Absa Premiership game at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night. Santos' goals were scored in the second half by Bevan Fransch and Eleazar Rodgers.
Despite the absence of experienced campaigners Zvenyika Makonese and Musa Otieno in defence, Santos managed to beat their visitors, who were still high after beating Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout Cup at the weekend.
Bright's future at Santos looked uncertain after his side was humiliated 5-0 by Bloemfontein Celtic the previous weekend. This was worsened by the club's poor start to the Premier League season getting four points from a possible 12. Some pundits wondered what could have happened to Santos' brilliant form which saw them finishing third on the log last season.
The former Botswana national team coach told Mmegi Sport yesterday from Cape Town that after the midweek win, he believes his side is ready to compete. "We were not the only ones struggling with form. Other sides like (Kaizer) Chiefs and (Orlando) Pirates were also not doing well. The problem comes when you stay for two weeks without playing because you lose your rhythm. I believe that we will come right after yesterday's win and the boys showed a lot of discipline," he said. Bright pointed out that the absence of Makonese and Otieno did not affect them as the team showed a lot of commitment throughout the game.
On Wednesday night, Bright decided to start with wayward goalkeeper Wayne Roberts in place for Francis Chansa. The coach said he wanted to relieve pressure from the Congolese goalkeeper after he conceded five goals against Celtic.
"In any case, any goalkeeper could have conceded that much because of the kind of refereeing we experienced in that game," he said.
Since they have beaten Free State Stars, Bright is confident that they can beat Platinum Stars in their next game pencilled for Mmabatho Stadium next Wednesday. He is not worried about playing the 'Tycoons' away from home. Platinum beat Bay United 3-0 away in midweek. "There is nothing wrong with winning away from home. After all, Platinum Stars beat Bay United in Port Elizabeth and we can also come away with something from Mafikeng. The only problem can be the weather because the temperatures that side are high but my players are professionals and will adjust," said Bright.
The following are Santos' fixtures this month;
November 5: vs Platinum Stars (Mmabatho Stadium, 3.30pm)
November 12: vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm)
November 16: vs Bloemfontein Celtic (Seisa Ramabodu, 3.30pm)
November 21: vs Maritzburg United (Athlone Stadium, 8pm)
November 26: vs Thanda Royal Zulu (Mpumalanga Stadium, 3.30pm)
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