NFD Fixtures
Coach hardly ever fights to avoid the chop
Having previously guided National First Division (NFD) teams to promotion and play-offs berths, new Uthongathi coach Sammy Troughton admits it is a rare experience for him – fighting to avoid the chop – but remains positive he will save the Cane Cutters.
Troughton promoted the now defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces to the Premiership in 2009.
Last season he led Stellenbosch to the play-offs where they eventually lost out the round-robin contest to Baroka.
Last month, the former University of Pretoria mentor took the reigns at Uthongathi, replacing Ronnie Gabriel. The Cane Cutters are 11th on the log and aim to stave off relegation.
“This is a different pressure; it is unlike last year when I was at Stellenbosch. I trust that we will survive and keep the club’s NFD status because that’s the mandate the management gave me,” Troughton said yesterday.
The 54-year-old tactician has overseen the KwaZulu-Natal-based side’s two games since his arrival mid-January.
He won his first game in charge, beating Jomo Cosmos 1-0 and shared spoils with their provincial foes Real Kings (1-1) in his second.
They are only three zone.
“We need to create a gap and get into a comfortable position. I have told the players to keep consistency.
“We have beaten Cosmos and we must give the same performance in all of our games.
“We cannot underestimate other clubs. This league is crazy because teams can beat each other,” said Irish coach. points off the relegation
(All at 3.30pm)
Tomorrow: Tshakhuma v Bucks, Thohoyandou Stadium; Highlands v Royal Eagles, Makhulong Stadium; Richards Bay v CPT All Stars, Umhlathuze Sports Complex; Ubuntu v Leopards, Parow Park; Spurs v Kings, Puma Rugby Stadium; AmaTuks v Cosmos, Tuks Stadium. Sunday: Uthongathi v Stellenbosch, Princess Magogo Stadium; Mbombela v Super Eagles, Kabokweni Stadium.