Three games, three defeats. Some would say it’s time for Santos to start ringing the alarm bells… or is it?
The concern follows another humbling 4-1 home defeat, coupled with two earlier losses, 5-0 to Hanover Park FC and 2-0 to Hout Bay United FC. The results suggest that Santos have become Stream A’s new punching bag, a tag that seems both unfair and unfortunate. One cannot help but feel for new coach Gerald Stober.
Even newcomers Harambee FC, who are yet to register a point, sit one place above the People’s Team. Santos have conceded a staggering 11 goals in three matches while managing to score just once.
Alas, those familiar with Stober will know that he is not someone who seeks sympathy or consolation. Still, he will be the first to admit that, right now, points are worth more to him than anything else in the world.
After all, his return to the club where it all began was the stuff of fairytales. Many would love to see that story end perfectly. But this is football, and there is little room for sentiment or emotion.
Stober will have to stick to his guns and remain positive as Santos prepare to face Ikapa Sportin next. It is tempting to describe the encounter as a “do-or-die” clash for Stober and his troops. The longer their poor run continues, the more that phrase will begin to haunt them.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
