Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
FOOTBALL coach and analyst Dalubuhle Bhebhe says Highlanders need to work on their concentration in the closing stages of their matches.
This comes after Highlanders conceded a late equaliser against Scottland and settled for a 1-1 draw in a game they looked set to win.
Bosso also gave away a two-goal advantage against Greenfuel to draw 2-2, with the equaliser coming in injury time.
Against MWOS, Bosso conceded in the 61st minute and lost the game 1-0. Bhebhe says Bosso need to work on their concentration levels, especially in the dying minutes of matches.
“I feel it comes down to two things. First, its concentration, an issue of the players’ concentration span and the other thing could be the matter of the players’ fitness levels. I feel the players tend to get tired as the game progresses. That fatigue could result in players losing concentration in key moments of the game,” said Bhebhe.
“The issue of concentration in the final stages is often made worse when fatigue sets in. As players tire, their ability to focus diminishes, making them more vulnerable to lapses that can cost crucial points,” said Bhebhe.
Bhebhe says it’s key to have maximum concentration throughout the game.
“This highlights the importance of both physical conditioning and mental focus, as the closing minutes of a match often decide the outcome. Coaches could implement specific training drills to improve concentration under pressure, ensuring players maintain sharpness throughout the full 90 minutes,” said Bhebhe.
He said the Highlanders’ technical team need to address the player’s endurance, mentally and physically.
“Highlanders’ coaching staff needs to address both mental and physical endurance in their training sessions,” he said.
Bhebhe’s observations suggest that improving these aspects could prevent costly mistakes in the dying minutes.
“It’s not just about fitness but also about mental resilience. Players who are both physically prepared and mentally focused are more likely to avoid the mistakes that have led to these late-game slip-ups,” said Bhebhe.
After the Scottland game, Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu said they are working on the problem.
“I think, looking at the time we scored, we should have come out with maximum points. Once again, with the last kick, we conceded in added time. It is one area we need to work on,” said Kaindu.
Mathew Masinge