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Ogunbote Pens Down Plateau United Lapses, Says Team Will Improve After 3SC Win:
Plateau United Football Club Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote has acknowledged lapses in his team’s performance despite their victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan in the fourth week of the NPFL season in Jos.
Ogunbote said the team’s performance improved in the second half after the players adjusted to the tactical demands of the game, stressing that the squad is still adapting to a new defensive approach.
According to the Plateau United coach, the team appeared nervous in the first half and struggled with discipline and tactical execution.
“I think we were a little bit nervous in the first half, and we also struggled with our discipline. We were trying to introduce a new defensive approach, and that takes time,” Ogunbote said.
He admitted that the players failed to follow some of the instructions and patterns they had worked on in training.
“We know ourselves, we know our lapses and we know the areas we need to improve,” he said, adding that the team would return to training to correct the identified weaknesses.
Ogunbote explained that the technical crew made adjustments during the second half, with the players responding with greater confidence and understanding.
“In the second half, we had to make some adjustments. We took certain risks because we needed to change the situation of the game,” he said.
“The players responded better. We played better football, showed more confidence and improved our understanding. We were able to compete better and create opportunities.”
The coach described the victory as part of the learning process for a team still being developed, insisting that the players need time to fully understand the new system.
“This is a new team, and we are still trying to build the understanding among the players. We just need to be given an opportunity and some time,” Ogunbote said.
He also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, describing 3SC as a strong team while noting that Plateau United had to remain focused on their own performance.
“We played against a very good team from the continent. Regardless of what happens to them in the competition, they are a strong team representing their country,” he said.
Ogunbote added that the team would use the match as an opportunity to identify areas requiring improvement.
“We have learnt a lot from this game. We know where we made mistakes, and we know what we need to correct,” he said.
“We cannot expect everything to be perfect immediately, especially with a new team and a new system. The players need time to understand one another and understand exactly what we want from them.”
Meanwhile, the 3SC assistant coach, Muhammed, also admitted that his side failed to execute some aspects of their game plan effectively, particularly during the first half.
He said the Ibadan-based side would return to training to address the lapses exposed during the encounter.
“In the first half, we did not follow the right channels and we did not understand some of the things we had worked on well enough. That was one of our problems,” the assistant coach said.
“We know ourselves, we know our lapses, and we know the areas we need to work on. When we return to Ibadan, we will go back to training and work on those things.”
Muhammed, also acknowledged the unforgiving nature of football, saying mistakes can ultimately determine the outcome of matches.
“Football is like that. No matter how well you play, if you make certain mistakes, you can be punished for them. That is part of the game, and we have to learn from it,” he said.
He explained that 3SC also made tactical adjustments in the second half and took greater risks in an attempt to change the course of the match.
“In the second half, we had to make some adjustments. We took certain risks because we needed to change the situation of the game. The players responded better, and we showed more purpose and understanding,” he said.
The assistant coach said the immediate priority for 3SC was to return to training, address their weaknesses and continue building the team.
“We are still building this team, and every game gives us an opportunity to learn,” he added.
For Ogunbote, the victory also provided an opportunity to appreciate the supporters while emphasising that the team’s development remains a work in progress.
“I want to appreciate everybody for their support. These are the kinds of opportunities that help a young team grow,” he said.
“The most important thing is that everybody played, contributed and enjoyed the game. We will continue to work, learn and improve ahead of the next match.”
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade
