Kaseja turns focus to defence after poor start

KAGERA: KAGERA Sugar FC Head Coach Juma Kaseja has turned his attention to strengthening the team’s defence after the newly promoted side conceded nine goals in its opening three Mainland Premier League matches.

Kagera Sugar have endured a difficult return to the top flight, collecting just one point from their first three matches.

They began with a 1-1 draw against Singida Black Stars before losing 2-0 to Simba SC at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera and suffering a heavy 6-2 defeat to Geita Gold FC at Bukombe Stadium in Geita.

The results have raised concerns over the team’s defensive organisation, with Kaseja admitting that the start has not been good.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Kaseja said the technical bench had identified the mistakes that led to the goals and was working to correct them before the team’s next matches.

He said some of the problems were caused by individual errors, while others resulted from weaknesses in the team’s overall organisation.

“We continue to correct the mistakes. Some are individual and others are collective, and we have started taking steps to address them,” Kaseja said.

The former Simba, Yanga, Kagera Sugar and Taifa Stars goalkeeper also played down the significance of the heavy defeat to Geita Gold, saying football can produce unexpected results on any given day.

“Football is an open game. Everyone has their own view of the result against Geita Gold. It may have been a good day for them, but it does not mean we were that bad. Football incidents do not always happen again,” he said.

Despite the poor results, Kaseja said the team was working under considerable pressure from supporters, club leaders and the players themselves.

“The pressure on us is great from the fans, leaders, technical bench and players after not getting a win, but we are going to correct ourselves and improve so that we can be better in the next matches,” he said.

Kaseja also pointed to the challenge of building a team whose players are yet to establish complete combinations, a situation he believes requires time and continued work on the training ground.

He stressed that playing at home or away should not be used as an excuse for failing to produce results, saying the team must improve regardless of where it plays.

Kagera Sugar now face another test against Mashujaa, with Kaseja acknowledging that the match will be difficult but maintaining that his side can still produce a positive result.

“We believe the game with Mashujaa will be difficult, but anything is possible,” he said.