After their spectacular 5–1 win away in Soshanguve against the Zebra Forces last week, the seemingly high-flying Bluebirds were shot down to Earth 4–1 by Janine van Wyk (JVW) Ladies on the night of 6 October.

But Birds coach Malvin Khumalo was quick to add that the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game as his charges had their fair share of scoring opportunities that went begging in the Sasol Women’s League match at the Bedfordview Country Club. “We played a good game, and competed very well and gave a good challenge,” said Khumalo.

“We could have easily drawn the game had all our opportunities been on target, including a crucial clearance off the line by team owner and Banyana Banyana captain, Janine van Wyk herself.”

Khumalo said the first half was one of their best performances to date as the teams went into the changerooms deadlocked at 0–0. “We could have easily gone into the break leading by a solitary goal had Morongwa Manamela been calm and collected in front of goals.

“She got to a good scoring position when she outpaced the defence but fluffed it. That was one our best chances for an opener from Morogwa but she blew it, with only the keeper at her mercy,” said Khumalo.

In the second half, Van Wyk led by example by scoring the opener. Birds pushed forward in their search for goals but this left them vulnerable at the back, and JVW used it to their advantage and scored their second goal from a counter-attack.

One of their stars of the game, Birds’ Noxolo ‘Zongo’ Gcina picked up an injury and was substituted by Paulette Coglin, who scored with her first touch of the ball to make the score 2–1.

Coglin nearly added her second but with the JVW keeper beaten, Van Wyk made a crucial clearance off the line. With Birds pressing for the equaliser, JVW scored their third and fourth on the counter.

Khumalo said his team needed to learn to be patient and tactically organised and not expose themselves at the back when they went forward in search of goals.

“We have learnt a lot from their game and the return leg will be a grudge match,” said Khumalo.

“I am obviously disappointed with the result but not discouraged, as we have now assembled a team to compete.”

The return leg is scheduled for the 15 October.