Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE coach Joel Luphahla has admitted some of his players “have given up” as the Gweru side battles to avoid relegation from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
His comments came after the WiFi Boys suffered a 4-1 defeat to title-chasing Hardrock on Saturday, with Luphahla also concerned by a growing number of hamstring injuries in his squad.
“I think we are still getting used to the players. We are seeing some weaknesses in them. Some of them have given up, so it’s up to us to try and make sure that we motivate the team,” Luphahla said.
“That’s my responsibility as a coach, to make sure that we motivate them.
“At this stage of the season, we are seeing players having hamstring injuries and it tells us that maybe they’re not fit.
“When you’re playing for relegation, it’s difficult. The output that you put there compared to other teams is different. They’ve put a lot of effort, but it’s becoming difficult day by day.”
TelOne had already dropped three points in their previous home match when they lost 2-0 to Triangle.
With six matches remaining, the WiFi Boys are third from bottom with 20 points from 28 games.
Agama moved onto 25 points after beating Manica Diamonds 1-0 on Saturday, while 14th-placed Hunters are on 28.
The eight-point gap between TelOne and Hunters leaves Luphahla’s men with little room for error.
“A point is not gonna be good for us anymore,” Luphahla admitted.
“We need to start winning games.”
TelOne resume their survival bid in two weeks’ time when they host Ngezi Platinum Stars.
“We play our next game in two weeks’ time at home versus Ngezi. Another difficult game that we need to try and salvage three points.
“But at the end of the day, we are still in the PSL and we need to compete and make sure that we get the three points at home.”
Luphahla remains convinced TelOne can survive.
“This is a beautiful team that deserves to stay up in the Premier League. So we are going to work and make sure that we save them.
“Then we can prepare for next year with better quality to show to our supporters.
“It’s sad that we came here and our supporters are dotted one, two, three there. We know how much they love their team. This is what we are trying to do.”
