Mthatha Bucks to rely on experience Manager says playoffs a different ball game

EC Motsepe League 2014/15 provincial champions Mthatha Bucks will be banking on experience to see them through the national playoffs scheduled to take play in Kimberly in five week’s time.

The Mthatha outfit have indicated they will however not approach the playoffs the same way they have been doing to the provincial league this season.

According to their team manager, Doc Tukute, although they have lost only one game in 30, going to Kimberly with that mentality would be a grave error because “playoffs are a completely different ball game.”

Tukute conceded the playoffs will be tightly contested, adding they will not read much into the fact certain champions from provinces like the Western Cape finished with lower points.

This is in contrast to the likes of Bucks who have 71 points from 30 games which is the same as the Free State champions Roses United while Gauteng’s African All Stars finished one point less than Bucks from the same number of games.

United, All Stars and Mpumalanga’s Mbombela United are believed to be formidable contenders which Bucks will have to overcome to emerge victorious when the curtain comes down on the week-long playoffs on July 26.

Bucks’ defence record is superior to that of other champions, having conceded only 14 goals in 30 matches.

It will help them a great deal to stick to whatever back four combination they have been using through the season.

In Kimberly, experienced players will be vital considering the pressure that comes with playing at the event.

But Bucks are covered in this regard with former PSL stars, ex-Ajax Cape Town skilful right winger Mkhanyiseli Siwahla and former Kaizer Chiefs left winger Siyabulela Songwiqi expected to show the way.

The team was currently putting together a special plan for the playoffs which Tukute promised would be revealed next week.

Keeping the players level headed will be a tough task but Tukuke is not worried.

“Because our players have displayed incredible discipline throughout the season and I do not expect them to mess around now when what they have been working hard for (promotion to the National First Division) is now within arm's reach,’’ he said.

Tukute added: “The coaches are busy working on a special plan and strategy for the national playoffs but one thing for sure it will not be business as usual.

“Playoffs are tough my man but we will take things that worked for us in the provincial league and improve them,” he continued.

“For now though our focus is to win our remaining two games, Zimbane Killers (today) and Angavu next Wednesday.”

This will help keep professionalism and the players not to take their eyes off the bigger picture.

Angavu boss Kenny Tofi told the Saturday Dispatch they were ready to give Bucks a guard of honour on Wednesday.