Madibaz can turn the tide

The NMMU-Madibaz suffered a 7-37 defeat at the hands of reigning champions NWU-Pukke at Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday.

The Potchefstroom side score four tries to Madibaz' solo score, which did not sit well with NMMU-Madibaz head coach David Maidza.

"We played against a good [NWU-Pukke] side, they are the reigning champions and I was under no impression that it was going to be easy.

"However, to give away that much possession to a good side didn’t help our course. They had far too many time on the ball, which was problematic for my side" Maidza told rugby365.com

Despite only registering one victory against UCT and having a problematic pre-season showdown against Maties, the coach is adamant that his side have enough quality to turn the tide.  

"Looking at the quality in the side, I do believe we can turn this around. It’s still early in the season and with any luck, we have learned a valuable lesson out of the [Pukke defeat].

"We definitely did not play to our full potential, I'm not sure whether the occasion got to us. But we certainly did not handle the pressure – made too many errors," he added.

Next up on the agenda is a clash against UP-TUKS in Port Elizabeth. Heading into their third match of the tournament, the coach sets his sights on continuity as the season progress.   

"For the next couple of days, we have to focus on what work for us and get that right before we look at TUKS.

"I think we do have one or two niggles but will only get clarification by Friday. I really hope we can retain the whole team because losing guys this early in the season, makes continuity problematic,” he added.  

By Leezil Hendricks

@Leezil07

@Rugby365.com