Santos eye PSL return

WHILE Ajax Cape Town and Chippa United ’ s future in the Absa Premiership is hanging is the balance, Santos have intensified their challenge to ensure a quick return to topflight soccer.

The side coached by Ian Palmer beat the in-form Witbank Spurs 2-0 through goals from striker Edwin Sitayitayi in the first half of the game played at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Santos, who were relegated to the National First Division last season, have collected 42 points and stand a chance of automatic promotion to the PSL or qualification for the promotion play-offs.

“It ’ s always great to win, especially when you are playing against fellow title contenders. We are turning on the heat, the aim is to see ourselves back in the PSL next season,” said Sitayitayi.

“We expect a massive challenge from Thanda Royal Zulu, Mpumalanga Black Aces and United FC but are ready for them.”

Ajax and Chippa are the only two Cape Town soccer clubs playing in the Premier League, but they are currently fighting hard to move out of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, struggling Roses United caused a major upset by beating Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at Mthatha Stadium through a goal by Kabelo Mahlasela.

In Mpumalanga, Sivutsa Stars pushed Dynamos deeper into relegation trouble by defeating them 2-1 at Kabokweni Stadium.

FC Cape Town collected maximum points when they downed Jomo Cosmos 1-0 at NNK Rugby Stadium.

African Warriors played to a 2-2 draw with Duncan Lechesa ’ s Polokwane City at Charles Mopeli Stadium.

“We have to start winning matches consistently, that ’ s what I told our players so that we can realise our dream of gaining promotion to the PSL,” said Lechesa.

“Winning the league title will be a tough one but I think we have a solid chance of qualifying for the promotional play-offs.”