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Cape Town - Maritzburg United coach Mandla Ncikazi said that he didn’t expect the game to change that much against Kaizer Chiefs when they clashed in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
Ncikazi admits that it was a very competitive match against his former colleague, Steve Khompela, when Amakhosi came back with a different strategy from the changing rooms.
The Team of Choice’s mentor told Sport24 that although Chiefs made a comeback in the second half, he was glad that his team’s plan went well and they played to the best of their ability.
“It was a very tough match which I expected but with the turnout of events, our plan really went well," he said.
“It is amazing where we were you know, leading half time to such a team. No one expected it, not even the players.
"Even though we wanted to win, I don’t think we expected to lead 2-0, it really motivated the players.
"My concern going into halftime, was what Steve was planning you know.
"I don’t think we were really prepared for a crossing game from Chiefs’ and that’s what they are good at you see.
"We knew the change of control that Chiefs’ was going to come in with and we sort of knew the numbers were going to change very quickly.
"That’s where we lost our players, but I must say our players really played with heart and dedication, even though I was disappointed with the end result, but I remain proud of my team.
"It could have gone either way but that offside goal really cost us but there is nothing you can do about it.
"I am just glad they went out there and left their hearts and might on the field."
Kaizer Chiefs beat Maritzburg United 5-3 when they challenged each other at the FNB Stadium.
