THE BACK PAGE phakaaathi.co.za Cosmos ‘can still do it’
MIDFIELDER: TO MAKE THAT A REALITY WE MUST REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Jomo Cosmos’ Nigerian midfielder Kizito Obi believes they can still win the play-offs and book their spot in the Absa Premiership. Cosmos are bottom of the three-team mini-league with two points, but could turn things around if they can win at Black Leopards tomorrow afternoon. In fact, Jomo Sono’s side will be guaranteed promotion if they beat Leopards and then beat Platinum Stars in their last match.
Jomo Sono’s side have drawn both of their matches in the playoffs and could really do with the three points tomorrow, while a Leopards win will seal promotion for Lidoda Duvha.
“I think we did well against Platinum Stars (Cosmos drew 0-0 at Stars in their last play-off match) and we could have taken all the points if we had been more clinical,” admitted Obi. “We must keep the momentum going although it might go down to the wire.
“The Premiership spot is still within our grasp but to make that a reality we must redouble our efforts, particularly in our next game, which could prove decisive,” he added.
Obi and his team-mates will have to be at their best against a marauding Lidoda Duvha side who have collected five points in three games with two draws and a win. It will take a real effort for Ezenkosi to stop Joel Masutha’s well-oiled machine.
“It won’t be easy playing against that big crowd in Thohoyandou,” admitted Obi. “But with luck on our side we could achieve the desired result. Surely we should be able to decide our own destiny,” said the 26-year-old.
Platinum Stars’ Letsie Koapeng has, meanwhile, lamented their lack of luck as being the reason they are now on the brink of relegation. Dikwena must hope Cosmos beat Leopards and then they beat Cosmos in their last play-off match, while also managing to acquire a superior goal difference. Koapeng scored the two goals in the 2-2 draw against Leopards last Saturday.
“We wanted to win against Leopards to put ourselves on the front foot. But we are now in a position where our future is not in our own hands. That should not have happened,” said Koapeng.