Following their embarrassing 6-1 loss to an experienced University of Fort Hare team last week, in the Provincial Sasol Women’s League Coastal Stream, Komani-based Phoenix Birds Ladies FC have bounced back to winning ways.
The newcomers in the Eastern Cape Women’s League defeated Gqeberha’s Bay Stars Ladies FC 4-3 on Saturday at Dumpy Adams Sports Complex in Komani. The victory has restored pride in the home side.
Coach Ringo Klaas’s troops secured the full three points, courtesy of goals from the right-footed Portia Saula, who scored her second brace of the season, while the other goals came from Mariela Tom and Siphesihle Mafuxwana, to down the team from the metro.
The resulting three points for Phoenix moves them to third on the Coastal Stream log standings, with 10 points after six games, three points behind University of Fort Hare, who lost their first place to Sophakama Ladies of Gqeberha.
Klaas admitted to being concerned over what had been a somewhat leaky defence, so far this season.
Klaas is pleased with his team’s attacking display, but will be looking for a way to tighten up at the back.
“I am fairly happy with the goals we scored so far in the league but, I am concerned with how we defend our goals.
“I was not impressed with the goals scored by Bay Stars,” Klaas said. “We seem concede goals late in the game and next time we will end up losing the game.”
It is early days yet, but the team has thus far allowed 16 goals into their own net, which is the highest number of goals conceded in the league by any club.
In their next league game, Phoenix will be playing at home again this weekend, welcoming another Gqeberha-based side in Golden Stars Ladies FC. Stars will be coming into the game fresh, after they were given a break this past weekend.
Their last game was an away win in Dutywa against Bashee Eagles, two weeks ago.
