Katwila: Two losses have hardened Ihefu

Despite losing two matches consequently, Ihefu Head Coach Zuberi Katwila remains confident that the setbacks  have helped to make his team stronger ahead of other u competitive matches.

The Mbarali- based outfits were again given a bitter pill after losing 1-0 to Namungo in an entertaining match at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday thereby dropping essential three points.

Namungo’s skipper Reliants Lusajo was on target on the day to give the Southern Killers their first victory of the campaign after a 2-2 draw in the opening game with Mtibwa Sugar.

“We lacked concentration in the defence and you cannot leave alone a dangerous player of Lusajo caliber in the box or else you get punished, as he has done to us.

“But we continue to be strong because when you lose, players wake up and they become aware and more cautious in the next match and they need to know that good results on the pitch will only come if they play lungs out,” he said.

On his part, Namungo Assistant Coach Jamhuri Kihwelo lauded his charges for the good away fight saying the unfolding season is unpredictable as teams are capable to stamp success either at home or away territories.

“In our first match, we recorded a 2-2 home draw and today (Friday), we have won away meaning that a team can get good results regardless whether playing at home or away,” he said.

He then called upon his players to maintain seriousness in every game which comes on their way insisting that the league is tough and every team has prepared well for the contest.

His captain Lusajo who has netted three goals in two matches said they respected their opponent (Ihefu) hence the reason they emerged winners on the day.

“We played at away venue and we were told to respect our colleagues which is exactly what we did. This win gives us energy to do much better in our next match,” he said.

Initially, the game was slated to be staged at Ihefu’s Highland Estates Stadium but the venue has been temporarily suspended hence their home matches will now be played at Uhuru Stadium in the city.