WeeklySA_AdminGUESSNG GAME: AmaTuks, Bakgakga BaMphahlele will be joined by Richards Bay who got relegated in the elite league all eyeing a return to the DStv Premier League
By Masoja Cele
As the Motsepe Foundation Championship completed its packed action campaign recently, University of Pretoria will host Baroka FC in the gruelling DStv mini league play-offs on Sunday at Tuks Stadium. Kick-off is 3pm.
AmaTuks, Bakgakga BaMphahlele will be joined by Richards Bay who got relegated in the elite league are to battle it out in the mini play-offs all eyeing a return to the DStv Premier League, but only one of them will be able to join championship monarchs Magesi to the top league. Tukkies finished the campaign on second position with 49 while Baroka completed the season on third having accrued 47 points. Both teams had been in this situation before. The Tshwane side reached the 2006/07 and 2021/22 play-offs finals and succumbed at the end.
Whether Tuks head coach Tlisane Motaung will rally his troops to the lands of milk and honey it’s everyone’s guess. This is another attempt in a season of so many. The Hartfield-based side were at some stage having gilt edge fortunes to seal the title. But that slipped through their hands and allowed eventual winners Magesi to overtake them in mid-season. Much as tried to regain their lead it wasn’t to be and they settled for second spot. In the reverse fixture Tukkies and Baroka played an energy sapping 1 all draw in the last encounter of the championship.
AmaTuks cannot afford another slip-up having put up a stellar season. They must rediscover the form shown before the slip. Motaung will utmost likely opt for regular starters to push the opposition against the wall. With the ageing Samuel Julies rediscovering his form towards the end of the campaign will definitely be instrumental in this crucial match. Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns speedy winger Thabang Sibanyoni and goal getter Delano Abrahams will complete the attack. Meanwhile, the midfield will be orchestrated by midfield instigator Promise Mkhuma and Harold Keketso.
Baroka has been awesome this season more especially after the appointment of Dan ‘’Dance’’Malesela as head coach. We witnessed the team grinding important results before experiencing a brief slump. But the plunge wouldn’t last for too long as Malesela continued to motivate his charges until they struck the right key note button just towards the finishing line. Malesela has vast experience in the game both as a player and a coach. He has won many tough battles in the game including the 2019 Nedbank Cup victory against Kaizer Chiefs with TS Galaxy. Malesela’s men have tremendously increased the tempo of their game in the last few matches they played recently. This is could be an important factor as they eye a victory against Tuks. It must be mentioned that Baroka’s last fixture at Hartfield could be a confidence booster to the team.
Bakgakga BaMphahlele will approach the battle armed with prolific firepower consist of Chris Sekela, Lefa Hlongwane and Matome Mathiane. Meanwhile, the manned by the experience duo of Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Ananias Gebhardt. The two defenders boast years of football brains in the game.
Below is the remainder of PSL Promotion Play-Offs
05 June-Richards Bay vs University of Pretoria at Richards Bay Stadium, Richards Bay.
08-June-Baroka vs Richards Bay at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
12-June-Baroka vs University of Pretoria at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
15-June-University of Pretoria vs Richards Bay at Tuks Stadium, Pretoria.
18-June-Richards Bay vs Baroka at Richards Bay Stadium, Richards Bay.
