Johannesburg - Following his side's 1-0 victory over neighbouring University of Pretoria in Atteridgeville on Friday evening, SuperSport United coach Cavin Johnson says the contest was hindered by ‘terrible' weather conditions.
"The biggest thing tonight was the rain. It wasn't a nice game," Johnson said of the driving rain and strong winds at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
United bounced back from a disappointing defeat to AmaZulu earlier in the week, beating the university outfit who last played on December 22, and looking slightly undercooked as January continued to play catch-up in the Premiership.
Lebogang Manyama scored his first goal in SuperSport United colours as the home side adapted best to the heavy downpour.
The rain refused to let up and conditions grew steadily worse as halftime approached, thwarting both outfits as passes went astray and chances came at a premium.
Johnson, nevertheless, felt United made the most of the poor conditions and played cleverly, in order to nullify the rain.
The former Platinum Stars coach said he was delighted with Manyama's goal, which helped Matsatsantsa into second position in the Premiership standings.
"We tried to play. Our goal was taken very well. We're happy for that, but in saying that, overall for the team, to get the three points against Tuks, it's always difficult," he said.
"As the games go by, as he (Manyama) starts getting used to more of the players, I think the team will start gelling together and hopefully it gets better because we're trying to build for the future."
United's next assignment is a daunting away trip to the Peter Mokaba Stadium early next week, where they will meet a rampant Kaizer Chiefs outfit, who extended their winning run to eight consecutive games against Moroka Swallows on Friday night.
"We've got to pick up the pieces and get the players back to fitness as quickly as possible and prepare differently for Kaizer Chiefs," said Johnson.
"When you play against Kaizer Chiefs, they allow you to play football and we like to play football."
Meanwhile, Tuks coach Steve Barker said his team failed to stick to their game-plan of frustrating United in front of goal.
"I'm disappointed in the goal that we gave away, I thought it was a soft goal at a very crucial time of the match," Barker said.
"We knew that SuperSport would come at us early and we were hoping not to concede because we knew that if we didn't, it would further knock their confidence from their midweek loss.
"It was a difficult game for both teams. The conditions weren't conducive, I think it takes away from what could have been a better football game."