Character the defining thing

Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila coach Sello Chokoe is confident his team will make their mark in the National First Division (NFD) after showing character in their past two matches where they beat the division’s heavyweights Jomo Cosmos and Highlands Park.

Chokoe said unlike in the Absa Premiership where the quality of the player is all that’s needed, the NFD needs character.

“You cannot survive on your quality alone in this division. You need character and my boys showed that in our past two games and have given me confidence that we can achieve so much,” he told the Saturday Citizen yesterday.

TTM will play struggling Richards Bay FC in a match Chokoe said they need to be at their best.

“The two games we won were good to tell us what we can achieve if we work hard enough but they are done now. They are history,” said Chokoe.

A win for Tshakuma could see them break into the top eight while it could spell trouble for the Rich Boys who remain winless after four matches.

Royal Eagles will, meanwhile, hope that the arrival of the new coach brings with it some much needed revival. The Pietermaritzburg-based team parted ways with Allan Freese after last week’s defeat to University of Pretoria and have hired Zipho Dlangalala in the interim.

Eagles host Super Eagles, who have been gradually improving over the past few weeks, in what should be an interesting match.

The top-of-the-table clash should produce some fireworks as Stellenbosch host Cape neighbours Cape Town All Stars who have been in top form under David Kannemeyer and suffered only their first defeat to Witbank Spurs last weekend. Stellenbosch are top of the table going into this afternoon’s clash while Igugu leKapa are one point behind.