AmaTuks may be a season too early

University of Pretoria coach Zipho Dlangalala (right) has discounted his team’s chances of winning promotion this season, despite a good start that sees them perched nicely in third place in the Glad Africa Championship.

AmaTuks are on 21 points, seven behind leaders Uthongathi after 12 games but Dlangalala insists that the goal for the season remains unchanged.

“Promotion is something that teams who have been together for a while should think about,” Dlangalala told Phakaaathi after guiding his team to a 2-1 win over Moroka Swallows at the weekend.

“We are still trying to build the team. We would be very happy if we got a chance at promotion but it is not a high priority for this season as we rebuild.

“Some of these players like Nqobeko Dlamini and Siphamandla Nzuza were playing in the Safa SAB leagues last season and they have to be introduced gradually to the professional setup,” he added.

Dlangalala did, however, admit that the team is coming together quite impressively and were able to compete earlier than he had anticipated. Simpahamandla Mlilo equalised for AmaTuks after Joshua Sauls had given the Dube Birds the lead. Kamohelo Mahlatsi scored the winner.

“It’s not easy. But the team is coming together very well and I am happy that we can win games. One hopes we can keep the momentum,” said Dlangalala.

Swallows’ Brandon Truter could only give a faint smile when asked about the result: “It was the same against Eagles. Today it is the same thing. Every game that we have lost we were dominant. It is easy for everyone to see the progression in the team. But the result is most important. So, having said that, how patient should I be with the players? How patient will management be with me?