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Relegation or playoffs loom as several topflight clubs fight for survival

WITH a handful of games remaining in the PSL, it’s not only the fight for the title that reaches fever pitch, but the battle at the bottom too.

We assess the relegation candidates: why they could be forced to prepare for life in the National First Division as well as how they could miraculously survive.

16 Platinum Stars

Why they will be relegated: When a team has only managed four wins out of 26 League matches – coupled with the highest number of draws – then their destiny is all but sealed. Not even the new owners, who might soon regret purchasing a sinking ship, can save Dikwena at this rate. The first sign that Stars got off on the wrong foot this season was the appointment of Englishman Peter Butler, who did not last beyond two games. Butler was all talk and no action, with management and players realising the error of hiring him soon after the season had kicked off. Dikwena also failed in their transfer policy, only bringing in some quality during the January window, when it was perhaps a little too late.

What could save them: Not much, to be honest. However, Ajax Cape Town, who are above them by just three points with a game in hand, are not only going through the worst patch in the history of the club, but their nightmares are off the pitch, too. The Urban Warriors are at the moment caught up in a case disputing the eligibility of striker Tendai Ndoro, who made Ajax his third club this season when he joined them in January. Fifa only allows for a player to feature for two teams, and there have been suggestions Ajax could be docked points for using Ndoro in the two games prior to the case appearing before the PSL’s dispute resolution chamber. Dikwena will be hoping for boardroom points. Remaining fixtures: Chiefs (A), AmaZulu (H), Arrows (A) & Wits (H) Prediction: They will be relegated.

15 Ajax Cape Town

Why they will be relegated: Much of the Urban Warriors’ troubles stem from incompetence in the club’s management which has seen a number of players criticise it once they have left Ikamva, arguing that those in charge don’t know what they are doing. Ajax persisted with Stanley Menzo for a long time even though the team lacked direction under him. As if that wasn’t bad, a number of players either forced their way out of the club or tried to do so by going on strike. That impasse took a strain on the club as they didn’t have readily made replacements for those players, while the tension created a strain in the team. And then there is the Tendai Ndoro saga, the forward who is on his third club in the same transfer window. Even though the PSL dispute resolution chamber cleared him, playing for Ajax was in breach of Fifa rules which could see them docked points should they lose the case. What could save them: Ajax are a more positive team under Muhsin Ertugral. The Turkish coach has Ajax blood running through his veins as he is managing the club for the umpteenth time. He woke them up from their slumber by shaking things up, which has seen the club alive again unlike the sorry state they were in under Menzo. The arrival of Yannick Zakri has injected the team with a positive mentality. The Ivory Coast forward will be expected to lead Ajax while the Ndoro matter is still being finalised.

Prediction: They will be relegated in the play-offs. Remaining fixtures: Wits (H), Chippa United (A), Baroka FC (H), Sundowns (A) & Chiefs (H)

14 SuperSport United

Why they will be relegated: There is no entry in their win column from their previous five league matches, which means Matsatsantsa will surely be dragged into the relegation dogfight until the very last game of the season. Also, these uninspiring results suggest there has been no visible improvement under interim coach Kaitano Tembo, who took over from Eric Tinkler at the end of February. What led to a change in the dugout was the fact that SuperSport were slipping further into the quagmire, but with absolutely no change to speak of since, it could be life in the lower division should this display continue. What could save them: SuperSport undoubtedly have the best squad when compared to their counterparts now fighting for their lives to keep their Premier League status – so they should step up, seeing that the threat to be relegated is now a reality. They are also six points ahead of bottom side Dikwena and have a game in hand, which could give them a mental boost as two more victories from their remaining five fixtures should guarantee them safety. Remaining fixtures: Pirates (H), Cape Town City (A), Free State Stars (H), Chippa United (A) & Baroka (H) Prediction: They will be safe.

13 Polokwane City

Why they will be relegated: Rise and Shine are too reliant on Rodney Ramagalela even though they possess a very strong attack on paper. Dominic Chungwa, Walter Musona, Puleng Tlolane and Rendani Ndou are no slouches. But it doesn’t help having a good strike force on paper if they don’t show it on the field. Ramagalela has scored 11 of the club’s 28 goals. If he isn’t on song, City have been mute with the other strikers struggling to take over the baton. They also tend to save their best performance for big teams, troubling Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs while they did the double over Mamelodi Sundowns. But the fighting spirit in those matches has been absent in the other games. What could save them: Polokwane are among those teams who can’t wait for the finish line so that they can end what has been a terrible season even though it looked promising at one stage. Rise and Shine will likely survive due to Ajax and Platinum not picking up enough points – not necessarily through their own brilliance. That will help them as they have four tough matches against teams fighting to finish in the top eight. Prediction: They will be safe. Remaining fixtures: Wits (A), Cape Town City (H), Free State Stars (A) & Chippa United (H)