Cape Town Spurs head coach Shaun Bartlett has revealed why the club’s management has cut him some slack amid early season struggles.
Bartlett led the Urban Warriors to promotion, winning the PSL Promotional Playoffs in June.
However, the Cape Town-based side has had a poor start to the season, losing all their six opening games. And they are currently rooted to the bottom of the DStv Premiership table.
Spurs gaffer made a bold claim, saying they have dominated almost all the games they have played so far. Meanwhile, he also admitted his troops have found it difficult to adapt to the top-tier.
In addition, he says they have 16 players under the age of 23 in the squad who still lack experience. Hence, the management of the club has been patient with him.
SHAUN BARTLETT SAYS THEY HAVE DOMINATED MOST OF THEIR PREVIOUS GAMES
“I think obviously the results might speak differently as to how we feel as coaches and as players, I think our players found it a bit difficult to adapt to a different level of football,” Bartlett told SuperSport TV.
“But also when certain limitations and restrictions are on you, it makes it a little bit difficult. I think five out of six games for me as the head coach, we were not really outplayed.
“We dominated most of the games, I think it’s the final third and final product that’s been lacking in order to score goals, compete in matches, and win games.
“I’ve spoken to quite a few players and they find it more difficult than where we were last season. It’s been five years for this club in the second-tier of professional football in South Africa.
“So, most of our players in the squad also, 16 of them come through the development. So, that’s 16 under 23 players that we currently have in our squad.
‘WE HAVEN’T PLAYED THE WORST FOOTBALL’
“It will take a bit of time to gel them with experienced players and the new players that we brought in. I think that also to integrate them into the club and culture.
“Hence, management has been patient and they have recognised as well that we haven’t played the worst football. It’s just the final third where we need to be a little bit more focused on both ends, not conceding and putting the chance as well.”
Ahead of Spurs is the iKapa derby against Cape Town City on Saturday, 30 September at 3:00 pm at DHL Stadium.
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