Tuks domination continues unabated
NATIONAL First Division leaders Pretoria University (Tuks) have started the second half of the season just as they did the first; sharp, solid and determined to win.
And, unlike previous seasons, where they just tripped and fell when promotion was within their reach, the club’s unwavering displays this campaign may well earn them the right to at last play elite league football.
Yet to find themselves on the losing side after 17 rounds of matches this season, Steve Barker’s men continued with their amazing run over the weekend, fighting hard to beat a tough Dynamos side 2-1 away from home, Tuks’ first victory in 2012 following the 1-all draw with Mpumalanga Black Aces last Tuesday.
Now on 37 points, Tuks have opened the gap between them and second placed Thanda Royal Zulu, who had their match against United FC postponed due to incorrect field markings at the De Beers Stadium, to five points, a huge boost for the Pretoria club ahead of their match against Chippa United at home tomorrow (7.30pm).
“I’m very pleased with the result (against Dynamos). Credit must go to players for fighting till the end (for the victory),” Barker said.
“We are taking it one game at a time. There is unity in the team. We work hard for one another and we hope that we keep it up,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, Atlie FC registered only their fourth victory of the season against struggling Mpumalanga Black Aces on Saturday at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton, moving up one place on the table to 14th.
Atlie’s Sello Chokoe, who last week said he would save the club from relegation despite their bumpy ride this season, was desperate for victory and his men came through for him, easing some of the pressure on the shoulders of the former Baroka FC coach.
“Our lives are at stake here. We are working very hard to ensure that we stay in the First Division. I am happy with the victory and we should keep fighting to win our matches. I will save the team,” he confidently said following his second victory since taking over as caretaker coach in December. “Now we need to go and get points away from home in our next two matches.”
Chippa beat Vasco da Gama 1-0 in the Cape derby to maintain their place in fifth.
Chippa are now on 26 points, four points behind fourth placed Blackburn Rovers, who drew 1-1 with FC AK on Saturday. FC AK are sixth on 24 points.
African Warriors were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Cape Town at Charles Mopeli Stadium.
Bay United managed a 1-1 draw against rookies Sivutsa Stars, while Carara Kicks added to the woes of tail-enders Witbank Spurs, beating them 3-2 in Witbank.