PSL newbies Thanda upbeat
HAVING wrapped up the National First Division title with three games to go, Thanda Royal Zulu are determined to finish the campaign the same way they booked their return to the Absa Premiership.
Thanda signed, sealed and delivered their return to the top division with a 2-1 home win over Stellenbosch FC at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex near Richards Bay earlier this week.
That was their 15th win of the season while they’ve lost once only, and coach Roger Sikhakhane sees no reason why they should relax now.
“As professionals we have to respect (the game) and do things the way we did until now,” said Sikhakhane.
“We have three games to play and we will adopt the same approach as in the other games. The league is not finished yet.
“We will continue to perform and train the team the same way. I don’t think we’ll have a soft spot for anyone or undermine any team.”
That seriousness is evidenced in Sikhakhane’s demeanour. He normally dons a formal coat on match days, and is professionalism personified.
After being carried aloft by his championship-winning team, and briefly sharing the glory with his charges, the former Chippa United coach was back in business mode.
After eight years in the First Division, since their demotion, Thanda secured promotion one season after they were almost relegated. The key to that turnaround was simply preparation.
“The most important thing is to start a team very well in pre-season. Then you know where you are heading to at the end. We had a good pre-season,” said Sikhakhane.
He said it was too soon to talk about personnel issues. Thanda relied largely on a home-grown squad, with most players from KwaZulu-Natal, and no foreigners. However, that was just how it worked out, said the coach.
“It’s not about being local, but if you have the players you believe will do the job, it’s fine. If you believe it’ll work for you, you stick with it,” said Sikhakhane of the squad he rebuilt after their brush with relegation the previous term.
“I had to save the club from relegation and see what would work. It was a risk (to take on the job) but if you’re man enough and believe in yourself and are passionate, you can put yourself in that position.”
Although the coach was reluctant to discuss the team’s plans, Thanda will likely see several players returning to their parent clubs.
Among them are Mhlengi Cele and Khotso Malope. The former is the club’s leading scorer with 16 goals, and is second in the league’s top-scorers’ list behind Sedwyn George of Royal Eagles. He returns to Chippa United.
Midfielder Malope, scorer of one of the goals against Stellenbosch, will rejoin Kaizer Chiefs.
Thanda visit relegationthreatened Cape Town All Stars tomorrow, host FC Cape Town in their penultimate match, and finish the campaign with a provincial derby against Real Kings.