Manager’s Mix : Mid Season Report



11 November 2009

Team manager Yusuf Gester reports back on what has been a phenomenal first round of PSL action for the Peoples’ Team.

Last Saturday Santos capped off their first round of fixtures with a superb 4-0 drubbing of Maritzburg United which meant the Cape side found themselves neatly positioned in third place with seven wins, six draws and only two defeats, giving them a total of 27 points, just three less than top placed SuperSport United.

Only eight goals conceded means Santos have the best defensive record in the league, while with 19 goals, they have the fifth best scoring record in the Absa Premiership.

A plus factor Santos has also been the excellent support they have been receiving at Stellenbosch’s Coetzenburg Stadium, which has seen the players performing with a real passion and hunger.

Highlights have been plenty thus far – a 0-0 away draw with the mighty Kaizer Chiefs was a pretty decent start, but it was soon to get even better as Santos won the Cape derby 2-0 against Ajax, following up that victory three days later with a 1-0 win over the big-spending Sundowns.

Following a 1-0 loss to Moroka Swallows in their fifth game, Santos have remained unbeaten up to this point.

Two of Santos’ most notable results were still however to come as they went up to Johannesburg to take all three points off Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 victory and then scored a last minute equaliser in Pretoria to earn a 2-2 draw with champions SuperSport.

While Erwin Isaacs’ five goals, four from Phikolethu Spelman and three from Tyren Arendse have all contributed positively, it’s certainly been an all round team, and indeed squad performance that sees the Peoples’ Team in such a healthy position.

Santosfc.co.za puts the following questions to team manager Yusuf Gester, who gives us an insight into how the technical team and management view the team’s progress so far this season.

1. Third place after 15 games – surely this must have been above everyone’s expectations?

I think at the start of the season, based on where we finished last season, we would have been happy with a top 8 position, but as we progressed we believed that we could be amongst the top 4.             

2. The confidence looks to be growing with every game?

Definitely the confidence is growing, hence the reason why the guys look much more comfortable on the ball and this is why we are creating more opportunities to score .

3. Goals have been relatively easy to come by, compared to last season – what’s changed?

The confidence is helping a lot and the fact that the Coaches are instilling a lot of self belief into the players. Also the way we play creates more scoring opportunities .  

4. The new boys have contributed nicely…

Ja, that’s why we signed them, we believed that they could add more to what we already had in the system and so far its all working out well. I don’t want to single out anyone, but all of the players in the squad are doing fine. And there’s more waiting in line to show-case their contributions.

5. The squad has real depth to it now – a ‘second string’ Santos could compete with most PSL clubs…do you agree?

On this I would say, … the coaches are comfortable to field any player on any day and I am positive that whoever plays will do well for the team .

6. Which games have been key this season for getting the confidence and the rhythm going? For example the late equaliser against SuperSport must have been a vital goal?

All games are equally important for us, because you can’t build on rhythm and confidence in one or two games only, Yes some performances (results) are always sweeter than others.

7. Tshepo Motsonoeng has been outstanding in goal – a real plus for the team?

Tshepo has done very well for the team and he and his defence are complimenting each other very well. The competition between him & our other keepers is very healthy which brings out the best in Tshepo.

8. Coach Boebie has a difficult job shuffling the squad around to keep everyone involved while still making sure he has the right team for each game. Does the technical team take the opposition into account when selecting squads, or do they look at the freshness/ form of the Santos players?

There are many factors taken in consideration when Boebie selects his team for a game. I will definitely not divulge his plans. What I can tell you is that all the players know that they could play at anytime and they do understand his way of doing things.

9. Santos’ success has been based on a sound defence, combined with the pace of players like Isaacs, Chapman and King in attack – do you agree / please elaborate?

Santos’s success is based on: an outstandingly good work ethic, solid relationships between the players & technical team, phenomenal response from the players on & off the field, a very good team spirit & excellent support from management which sets the foundation for our quality players to excel on the field.

10. What needs to be done to keep up the good form in the second half of the season – how can complacency be eradicated?

We need to keep working hard, treat each game as important (one at a time) and we regularly speak & warn our players to guard against complacency. Management has also hired a Sports Psychologist to work with the players on a regular basis, which assists in managing the players’ mindsets.

11. Is there anything else to mention – like the organization that takes place off the field/ youth teams/ Santos in the community?

Santos as a Club are doing very much to bring more people to the stadiums (as you can see) the increase of spectators at our games. With the good performances the team is currently displaying support will continue to increase at games. There is a lot of emphasis on development & youth football. I think Santos FC is very highly regarded in terms of organisation on and off the field. I just hope & pray that we all stay level-headed & work even harder to finish the season on a high note.