Thanda lick their wounds after 4-0 drubbing

FOR just over half of the 90 minutes of their home game against United FC on Sunday, Thanda Royal Zulu were very much in the match.

In fact, they had the better of the chances in a goalless first half that saw both keepers seldom troubled.

But the sending-off of star defender Velile Zitha for a two-footed, high tackle early in the second stanza saw the tide turn until it eventually became a flood, with the visitors smashing four goals without reply in the last 20 minutes.

It must be said that the 10-man home outfit battled manfully, but inevitably the extra open space, well exploited by United, was too much to cover and the leg-weary defence eventually crumbled.

Despite having to retrieve the ball from his net four times, Thanda keeper Samkelo Mbambo did little wrong and cannot be blamed for the 4-0 whitewash.

This was the worst possible of starts for new head coach Ronnie Moroka, yet there were some encouraging signs in the first half display.

On a number of occasions the United backline was scrambling, especially when the ball was played behind the back four.

Striker David Radebe, who toiled hard, had his chances back but lacked the speed and finish to punish the visitors.

It is up front where Amabhubesi face their biggest challenge.

After finding the net with regularity last year, this season goals are scarce, despite the fact that there is plenty of good movement in midfield and plenty of possession going forward.

But all too often, Thanda don’t have more than one player in the opposition box when on attack.

They need support where it matters most, especially from the big men whose aerial powers have dominated in every match this year.

With nothing to lose from where they now sit on the log, Thanda need to throw men forward at every opportunity.

No goals will not only keep them rooted to the bottom, it will also discourage the diehard fans who still pitch up every week.