Gloves off in fight for PSL survival
PREMIERSHIP: SUPERSPORT NOT COUNTING ON FAVOURS
Four teams fight for their lives on final day.
SuperSport United winger Thuso Phala believes Baroka FC are set to deploy defensive tactics this afternoon when they make a visit to Lucas Moripe Stadium.
United go into the game knowing that a win will guarantee their Absa Premiership status while any other result could see them in the promotion/relegation playoff spot. On the part of Baroka, a draw will be enough to seal survival.
“It is like a cup final for us, but we know it may not be the same scenario for Baroka because they just need a draw, and it might also change their game plan and they might come here to defend,” Phala told the Saturday Citizen yesterday.
“The motivation is there because we just have to win and finish the season on a high ... it comes down to one game and we have to do it today.
“At the end of the day we need to win this game and I believe everyone will move on from this season,” he added.
Ajax Cape Town are another side rooted into the play-off quagmire – they face Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town and a draw or defeat would mean Urban Warriors will have to brace themselves for the stern challenge of Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards.
While Ajax failing to beat Chiefs would spell disaster for Muhsin Etrugral’s men, it would do SuperSport the world of good. However, Phala is not banking on any favours from his former employers.
“We are not going to look for any favours from other teams. We know that if Ajax do lose we are home and dry but we won’t leave it to chance because this is football and Ajax are fighting for their lives ... so we can’t really count on that.
“We have to win our own game and play our part and not rely on results from other sides.”
Polokwane City complete the puzzle at the bottom, as they are level on 33 points with Matsatsantsa, meaning if they lose against top eight-hungry Chippa United, and Ajax win and SuperSport win or draw, Rise and Shine will be condemned to the playoffs.