Veteran coach Allan Freese has opened up about his decision to take the helm at Magesi FC, despite the precarious position the Limpopo-based club currently occupies in the South African top-flight.
Freese was speaking following Magesi’s 2-0 defeat to Polokwane City FC in their Betway Premiership Limpopo Derby at the Seshego Stadium, just outside Polokwane, last Friday night.
The result adds further pressure to a side fighting for its survival, but the experienced tactician remains unfazed by the club’s current situation.
This was the second match for the 69-year-old mentor since taking over the coaching reins from John Maduka, who was recently relieved of his duties by Dikwena Tsa Meetse after a string of poor performances.
Freese’s tenure began with a glimmer of hope two weeks ago, securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium.
However, the reality of the task at hand is stark. Magesi currently languish at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings, having collected just 12 points from 18 matches. Their season has been defined by a struggle for results, recording only two wins alongside six draws and 10 defeats.
However, survival remains within reach; they sit just three points behind 15th-placed Marumo Gallants, who currently occupy the final safety spot.
‘I BELIEVE I CAN STILL TURN THINGS AROUND’: ALLAN FREESE
Despite the loss against the Rise and Shine, Freese showed some confidence, insisting that his decision to join the club wasn’t a gamble, but a calculated belief in his own pedigree.
“I believe I can do something. That is my belief. I believe I can coach, and I believe I can still turn things around,” said a confident Allan Freese.
ALLAN FREESE ON MAGESI FC’S CHANCES OF SURVIVING RELEGATION ZONE
He noted that while his Magesi troops are putting in the effort on the training ground, that “belief” must become infectious across the entire squad to translate into results and ensure the club avoids the chop.
Freese went on to express his disappointment at the team’s failure to make their home-ground advantage count, contrasting their struggles in Limpopo with their spirited performance against Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape.
“It’s only my second game now, but the guys are trying and giving their best in training,” added Freese.
“However, having belief isn’t always enough if it isn’t shared by everyone. The problem lies when that belief isn’t collective. If every player believes, as I do, that we can escape the relegation zone, then I know we can do it. We went to Cape Town and fought for a point, but this was a different game altogether.
“A derby is a different ball game. All over the world, derbies are played to be won. We were at home, and we had to play to win. That is where we lacked energy. We were the home side, so why did we allow our opponents to come here and beat us?”
RELATED STORY: Magesi FC bypass Abram Nteo to hand Allan Freese the reins