Cape Town City boss Jan Olde Riekerink says it’s sink or swim for his manne when they return to PSL action at 3.30pm this afternoon.
The Citizens take on Chippa United at Orlando Stadium in their first game back since the resumption of football.
And despite being the first team to return to training during coronavirus lockdown level three, the Dutchman isn’t sure if that is any advantage once competition begins.
He says: “I hope we have done enough to be ready for the first game - being fit is one thing and being game fit is something else.”
Since lockdown in mid-March, City have let stalwarts Siphelele Mthembu, Chris David and Roland Putsche leave.
But the boss is only looking forward as they set out to improve their 10th position in the league, adding: “When you don’t play football for this long, things change. But the players I have right now at the club are all that matter.”
And while Riekerink may be a little cagey, Stellenbosch boss Steve Barker has challenged his manne to hit the ground running against Golden Arrows at Tuks Stadium tomorrow.
He says: “The message to the players is to trust our preparations and processes we have put into place.
“They must reward themselves with quality performances individually and collectively as a team. I am positive we will hit the ground running as we have prepared well.”
Weekend’s PSL fixtures
Friday
Chippa v CT City (3.30pm); Highlands Park v Sundowns (6pm)
Saturday
AmaZulu v Baroka, Stellies v Arrows (both 1.30pm), Polokwane v Chiefs (3.30pm), Pirates v Wits (6pm)