Promotion/relegation battle in spotlight

WITH both the National First Division (NFD) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) done for the season, the focus now shifts to the promotion/relegation battle starting this weekend.

Moroka Swallows, Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards will battle it out in a three-team mini-league that will see the team with the most points competing in the top flight next season.

Swallows made the playoffs after their 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. The victory saw the Dube Birds finishing the season in 15th position on the PSL table, and getting a chance to maintain their PSL status in the playoffs after escaping automatic relegation.

Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia says he sees their qualification for the play-offs as a blessing, and that the team should go all out to stay in the PSL.

“We have a chance to compete in the PSL again next season, and we will have to grab it with both hands,” Etafia said.

The veteran keeper acknowledged that the games would not be as easy as everyone assumed, given that Swallows were a very experienced side. And they would not be taking the NFD teams lightly.

“We are playing Cosmos and Leopards, and those are very good sides. It won’t be easy. We will have to fight with everything we have to win.

“The coaching staff will have to mastermind a plan on how to approach these games,” said Etafia.

Cosmos and Leopards are indeed very good sides.

Cosmos captain Thabang Monare says it would be his biggest achievement thus far should he lead the club back to the PSL by winning the play-offs.

The skipper said the team was ready for the play-offs, and they would have to have a winning mentality to triumph.

“I feel very honoured to be leading this great team. It would be fantastic to be the guy who captained Cosmos on their way back to the PSL after so long,” he said.

“We are going to take it one game at a time, and fight for one another on the pitch. Everyone is excited about this.”

Ezenkosi made it to the play-offs after finishing second in the NFD standings, with 53 points.

Leopards finished the season in third place after collecting 51 points. The team’s top striker was Siphelele Ntshangase, who has scored 10 league goals this season.

Ntshangase said they were looking forward to the play-offs.

“Everyone is hyped up about the chance of getting to play in the PSL. We all want to do well, and every player knows it is very important.”

The play-offs will be held from May 17 to June 3.