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Midfielder feels failure to convert chances contributed to defeats

Madondo urges Sporting not to panic after early losses

Sihle Ndebele Journalist
Khulekani Madondo of Baroka FC.
Khulekani Madondo of Baroka FC.
Image: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

TS Sporting may be second from bottom on the GladAfrica Championship log, after losing both of their opening games, but the club’s midfielder, Khulekani Madondo, feels all is not lost as yet, emphasising that their promotion hopes are still alive.

In their campaign opener last Saturday, Sporting suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Cape Umoya, before going 2-1 down at Steenberg in their second clash of the season in midweek.

Madondo, who joined Abantu Bemthetho before the start of the season after leaving Baroka, is of the view that losing the first two games won't be detrimental to their ambition of playing top-flight football next term. “This is just a phase that will pass. The season is very long. I don’t think we [need to] panic. The fight is still on. Our mission is still to gain promotion and I feel we are still on course,’’ Madondo told Sowetan yesterday.

The experienced midfield anchor feels they let themselves down by not converting chances in both games they lost. The 30-year-old former Maritzburg United player has urged his teammates to start taking their chances.

“In both games we played, we dominated. If you don’t convert your chances in football you get punished and that's what has happened with us. Against Umoya they scored two goals from throw-ins plus a penalty, and we had so many changes before all that,’’ said Madondo.

“We have been playing well but going forward we must be clinical. If we can take our chances we will win games. As one of the experienced guys in the team, it’s my role to preach that we must take our chances.’’

Madondo is no stranger to the second tier, having skippered Richards Bay for two seasons before linking up with Baroka at the start of the 2019/20 season. “I have adapted so quickly because I know this league well,’’ said Madondo. “Before joining Baroka I played my best football at Richards Bay, so I am using that experience to help TS.’’

GladAfrica fixtures (all at 3.30pm)

Tomorrow: AmaTuks v Pondo Chiefs, Tuks Stadium; Sporting v JDR, Kabokweni Stadium; Umoya v Steenberg, Parow Park; Uthongathi v All Stars, Princess Magogo Stadium

Sunday: Polokwane v Royal, Peter Mokaba Stadium; FS Stars v Callies, Goble Park; Sekhukhune v Richards Bay, Makhulong Stadium

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