Motivational tool for Truter

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Cape Town All Stars coach Brandon Truter is banking on scouts tracking his players for motivation as he seeks to steal a play-off position at the end of the National First Division (NFD) season.

Igugu leKapa are just six points behind second-placed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila going into this afternoon’s match against embattled Uthongathi FC in Durban.

His side’s good showing against Absa Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in a Nedbank Cup match a few weeks ago has attracted interest in his players.

Truter is aware of the danger posed by the Cane Cutters who have been fighting for their lives with relegation now a real possibility for the Durban side. But a win could bring Igugu leKapa closer to a play-off spot.

Tshakhuma will meanwhile want to keep their winning run going when they meet Royal Eagles in Pietermaritzburg tomorrow afternoon. Eagles will be highly motivated after securing their first win under new mentor Roger Sikhakhane last weekend, beating provincial neighbours Real Kings 1-0. The defeat wrecked Simo Dladla’s side’s playoff place chances.

But Sello Chokoe’s side are proving to be strong challengers for a promotion spot with Highlands Park now set for automatic promotion.

In a battle of the wounded, Ubuntu Cape Town host Mthatha Bucks – both are in desperate need of points to move away from the relegation places.

Ubuntu received some respite last week after beating University of Pretoria 3-1 and will hope to build on the result and move out of danger.