In the aftermath of their 1-0 loss to Vipers in the opening leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the newly opened St Mary’s stadium, Platinum Stars head coach Cavin Johnson heavily criticized state of the playing surface.
Addressing journalists at a press conference shortly after the match, Johnson noted that the field of play attributed partly to his team’s loss.
The ground was horrible and not friendly at all.
The ball movement was hampered by the bumpy surface and this restricted the normal flow of the ball.
However, I salute the crowd for the massive support.
Platinum Stars did not have any chance to train on the surface as they arrived in the country on the evening of the match eve.
This arrangement according to Johnson did not affect his side.
We planned to travel that way. The journey from South Africa to Uganda is just 4 hours. This was okay but the ground let us down.
Following a goal-less first half, the game was lit up with a Milton Karisa well headed goal off skipper Nico Wakiro Wadada’s pin point delivery, just seconds after the second half had kicked off.
Gangly forward Boginkonsi Ntuli had a goal disallowed for offside a feat that Johnson tagged unfortunate.
The former Super Sport bossed fumed;
The referee of the day was no doubt man of the match with many suspect calls. It is unfortunate that he disallowed our goal.
Johnson has since promised a good return leg come next Saturday in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Platinum Stars dearly missed the services of their talismanic forward Robert Ngambi.
Having departed Uganda early Sunday morning, the Dikwena quickly turn focus to the Nedbank Cup campaign against NFD side AmaZulu at Moruleng Stadium this Wednesday.
Platinum Stars Line-up: Mbongeni Mzimela (G.K), Vuyo Mere, Mkemane Mlilo, Ndumiso Mabena, Sipho Sene, Solomon Mathe, Tintiswalo Tshaba, Siyabonga Zulu, Boginkonsi Ntuli, Mdumduzi Nhlapo, Michael Mabule
Changes:
60’ Tintiswalo Tshaba Out, Mathe Kamogelo On
67’ Sipho Sene Out, Benson Shilongo On
Subs Not Used: Siphiwe Sithole, Sibusiso Msomi, Katlego Khonou, Neo Links
