April 7 2010: Uniao Flamengo Santos may end up regretting their decision to set coach Clever Hunda free. Hunda parted ways with Santos last week and he has since returned to his former team, Police XI.
Santos were definitely untouchable under Hunda’s mentorship, and they easily defeated a lot of the big teams in the premier league.
Just two days after Hunda parted ways with Santos, the team lost heavily to Mochudi Centre Chiefs. This led many soccer pundits to posit that things are beginning to get awry for the team.
They should not be losing unnecessary point, especially as they are contesting for the second position.
Santos’ 5-2 loss to Chiefs brings other teams that are contesting for the second position back in contention.
Currently Township Rollers have a healthy lead at the top and most teams are fighting for the second spot.
The teams that are vying for second position are Santos, Chiefs, Extension Gunners and ECCO City Greens. It was clear during the Santos-Centre Chiefs encounter that all is not well at the Santos camp. The players did not show the commitment and dedication they have always displayed.
George Mogopodi and Parker Mampori, who have been appointed caretaker coaches could not immediately inspire the team and emulate Hunda.
Santos put up a challenge during the first half, but they lost control of the game in the second half.
Before the game Santos executive committee member Mokganedi Molefhe told The Telegraph that everything at the club is under control and said that he has faith in the caretaker coaches. He also said Hunda excelled at Santos because of the structures that he found in place.
Santos have come under criticism for not convincing Hunda to stay at least until the end of the season. Meanwhile BDF also looks like they were affected by the sacking of coach Stanley Mwaanga. Since his departure, they have lost two matches in succession, the latest being against ECCO City Greens. The once enviable Matebele might find themselves finishing below the top eight if they do not urgently attend to the challenges facing them.
