Stars face relegation after narrow loss to Real City
A 2-1 DEFEAT at the hands of Real City at Zwide Stadium on Friday has resulted in Morning Stars almost certainly being relegated from the ABC Motsepe soccer league.
The defeat means Stars finished 15th on the log and are among the three teams due to be relegated this season.
The other two teams to suffer the big drop are Tembu Royals and Cacadu United.
An unhappy Stars general manager Bongani Plaatjie described their relegation as a sad moment for NMB football.
“Morning Stars was one of the clubs that played in the ABC Motsepe League in this area. It was a platform for the youth here in the Bay to showcase their talent and also give them an opportunity to be scouted and play in higher leagues,” Plaatjie said.
He believes his side’s loss against City was due to the lack of converting their goal-scoring opportunities.
“We missed so many clearcut chances and that has been our downfall in our last 10 games. We created chances but we didn’t convert them into goals. As a team we have accepted our fate and we will go back to the drawing board and plan for next season,” he said.
The Kwazakhele side’s only hope is if log-leaders Mthatha Bucks gain promotion to the National First Division. This will mean only two teams go down and Stars would be safe.
Meanwhile, Motherwell’s Real City secured themselves a top-eight finish, which was their mandate for the season.
City coach Bonke Namba could not contain his excitement, but felt sorry for Stars.
“This was not an easy game for us because we were playing against a fellow Bay side and we knew if we won we would drop them. It was a very difficult game because we also needed the points to stay in the top eight. I feel bad for Morning Stars,” he said.
“The win was very important because we needed to maintain our eighth spot on the log and also make sure we get paid at the end of the season.
“Last season we finished in 10th place so this also shows an improvement from the club.
“Next season we will prepare the players on time because we need to fight for first posi- tion on the log.” Namba also thanked his players for being attentive and patient.
He dismissed rumours that they might sell their status due to financial constraints.
“No, there is no such thing. There are many rumours like that and many people looking for ABC Motsepe League status.
“I started with those boys from the age of 12 until now – I can’t just sell the team. I will struggle and get money from any corner to make sure the team is maintained,” he said.