It’s do-or-die for Bucks
Only win over Spurs will keep playoffs spot alive
MTHATHA Bucks will be looking to revive their hope of qualifying for the play-offs when they entertain Witbank Spurs in a crucial National First Division League clash at the Mthatha Stadium today.
The Eastern Cape outfit will be eager to bounce back from their surprising 2-0 loss away to Milano United on Tuesday.
The loss at Athlone Stadium resulted in Amathol'amnyama dropping further away from position three – an automatic play-off berth – to position six.
But the league is so tight that any of the top eight teams still stand a chance of making the play-offs.
Coach Ian Palmer was disappointed that they dropped points against United. But that is in the past now as they are focusing on the Spurs and Stellenbosch FC games.
Bucks will lock horns with fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium next weekend.
“Witbank Spurs and Stellenbosch will be a test for us. Those games will determine if we still have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs,” he said.
Only Thanda Royal Zulu, the runaway log-leaders are guaranteed of returning to top-flight football.
The Mthatha side is only four points behind second-placed Black Leopards. Bucks will be eager to avoid a second consecutive loss, which might be catastrophic for their plans of hopefully joining Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League next season.
To Bucks' advantage will be the thousands of fans that are expected to pack the stadium to capacity. Also, under Palmer, the former Transkei capital town side is yet to lose at home.
But home advantage alone will not be enough for Bucks as they have to bring their A-game.
A loss will result in them standing only a mathematical chance of making the play-offs.
Relying on other teams to do them favours will be the last thing that the team will want as they will not have their own fate in their own hands.
The coaching staff met with the players on Thursday to reflect on the previous loss and what they need to keep their playoffs dream alive.
“They understand that they can't depend on other teams, they need to get the results on their own. But at least the mood was high in training and they were motivating one another,” Palmer said.
The home side which travelled to Cape Town without their top marksman, Mazwi “Jomo” Mncube who was injured during the 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Santos, might be boosted by the return of the leading goalscorer tomorrow.
He trained with the team on Thursday and showed no signs of any discomfort. Mncube will be a welcome boost for Bucks.
But his striking partner, Chileshe Kangwa, who has found the back of the net seven times will also be a threat. Petrus Ngebo, who has been used mostly as a substitute will also be an option for Palmer as he has come from the bench and won games for Amathol'amnyama.
Sydney Masana, who joined Bucks in January has struggled to find his scoring form. If given a chance to play, he will want to score.
The back four will also be eager to successfully protect the goalkeeper and keep a clean sheet.