Stellenbosch is in a really good position to give the league championship a good go this season.
Coach Steve Barker’s manne are currently third on the PSL log, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and two behind SuperSport.
They are in the mix early, so they now just have to put up a fight against the league contenders, especially in the head-to-heads.
Most importantly, they are going to have to figure out a way to win on the road.
All their four draws came in away matches in this campaign, but they also only played two matches at home so far and they won both of those. Their other win was away at provincial rivals Cape Town City.
It’s OK to draw away, it’s a point and that’s better than a defeat. However, it’s not enough to stay in contention.
That’s just how it is. It’s tough but doable if the squad can manage the games well.
There’s enough energy and experience and reason in that team to give it a good go.
Their schedule had a lot of away matches coming in, so it was crucial that they maximised in some of the matches in this unfavourable period, so that they play the more favourable schedule with more home matches without pressure to win.
But, what can we do? What’s done is done!
Stellies will be looking to continue their winning run at home when they host Gallants next week.
As for Cape Town City, the MTN8 finalists lost 1-0 against Sekhukhune United on Saturday, mfwethu.
I think it’s time we accept that this is going to be an inconsistent season for the Citizens.
Coach Eric Tinkler watched in frustration as the incredible number of chances that were either missed by his players or saved by Man of the Match Toaster Nsabata.
The ball just wouldn’t roll kindly for the Citizens, everyone tried, nobody could get it done. It was pretty heartbreaking.
Sekhukhune sat back and simply took their chance when it came and they were able to finish one of their counter-attacks.
City must be careful that their opponents will let them play and pick them apart in counterattacks.
Not too long ago, at the beginning of the month in fact, the boys in blue and yellow looked energised and ruthless when they beat Swallows 4-0 in the MTN8 semifinal second leg.
Everyone was talking about that performance, but it counts for nothing because that win doesn’t help them in the league.
The reality is, City are now four matches without a win. And reality is biting the Citizens right now.
They’ve done things right in the cup, but there’s just one more match to play there and then it’s over.
There are 24 matches still to play in the league, so it’s important to pick things up so as to not play under stress when the taxing periods after January come
They have a tough assignment against Golden Arrows at Cape Town Stadium this weekend and then it’s the MTN8 and all the Wafa Wafa wara-wara activities and hype thereafter.
It all ends after the final and then it will be back to the reality of the league, after all of the hype of the cup tournament.
So tucking away these points at home before the final in Durban is important because anything can happen in a cup final when they face favourites Sundowns.
It will not be a good look to put everything on winning R8m, where if you lose you get a 800k handshake.
Currently in 12th place with six points while the other kids are on double figures is not a good look for City.
Kuzolunga Magents, it’s time to bounce back!