Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) outfit Mariental Sport Club (SC) was beaten for the first time this season when Try Again FC thrashed them 2-1 at Keetmanshoop’s J Stephanus Stadium last weekend.

The log leaders suffered another setback on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Dates Eleven.

Speaking to Nampa on Monday, Mariental SC head coach Marvin Mbakera described it as a “bad weekend”. 

He stressed that, while the team’s character is being tested, the club will respond positively to these results.

“Football results are either a win, a draw or a loss. If you can’t accept them, then you don’t belong in football. The biggest thing is how you then react to those results,” he said.

Mbakera noted that sometimes a team needs to be knocked down to understand what the fight entails and how to compete more effectively.

“We are in a competition where the team with the most points wins the league. You don’t win it by avoiding all defeats. Our character has been tested. I talked to the boys and ironed out a few things,” he said.

The head coach added that there is no need to panic or dwell on these losses, as the title race is far from over. 

He reiterated that their objective remains promotion to the Premier League and promised the team would “do business” once they return to their home turf.

In other SSFD matches played on Saturday, City Boys lost 0-1 to Quiver FC, while Friends and Oranjemund drew 1-1. 

Young Brazilians stunned Dates Eleven 2-0, Orlando Pirates defeated Blue Boys 6-4 in a high-scoring affair, and Ramblers beat Celtic 2-0.

On Sunday, Oranjemund defeated City Boys 3-1, and Friends drew 1-1 against Quiver FC. 

The encounter between Try Again and Young Brazilians ended in a goalless stalemate. Elsewhere, Orlando Pirates clinched victory against Celtic with a solitary goal, while Blue Boys defeated Ramblers 3-1.

Despite the difficult weekend, Mariental SC continues to lead the log with 38 points from 20 games. 

They are followed closely by Young Brazilians, who also have 38 points but sit in second place on goal difference. 

Try Again currently occupies third place with 36 points. 

-Nampa