THE Top8 battle is on for Manqoba Mngqithi and and his Lamontville Golden Arrows side.
Image: Backpagepix
THE Top8 battle is on for Manqoba Mngqithi and his Lamontville Golden Arrows side.
Image: Backpagepix
A Top 8 finish is usually non-negotiable for ambitious teams in the Betway Premiership, as coaches are often sacked if they fail to deliver on that mandate.
With the league entering the final stretch of the season, some coaches will have to save their jobs by securing a place in next season’s MTN8 – or risk the consequences.
Given what’s at stake, we look at five teams – Durban City, Polokwane City, Golden Arrows, Stellenbosch and Siwelele – that need strong results in their remaining matches to finish comfortably in the Top 8.
Durban City – 35 points
Durban City have endured instability since their return to the top flight, with frequent coaching changes disrupting continuity. However, they have shown resilience under interim coach Pitso Dladla, including a strong Nedbank Cup run where they will face TS Galaxy in the final.
With the MTN8 seen as a key competition that sets the tone for the new season, the Citizens will be eager to secure qualification. They cannot afford to drop points in the closing stages of the league campaign
Polokwane City – 33 points
City lost key players, including Oswin Appollis, during the winter transfer window, leaving gaps in the squad. As a result, they have been inconsistent, dropping points in matches they were expected to win.
Coach Phuti Mohafe and his charges cannot afford to slip up. With upcoming fixtures against Stellenbosch and Arrows – both Top 8 rivals – they will need a clinical edge to secure results.
Lamontville Golden Arrows – 31 points
At the start of the season, coach Manqoba Mngqithi was heard saying he tends to win league titles with Arrows, but that won't materialise this campaign.
Arrows have been sluggish in their approach, relying heavily on Junior Dion for goals. Mngqithi, who has centred his team around youngsters, believes they will eventually get it right, and be consistent.
Stellenbosch – 28 points
Stellenbosch are rebuilding after renovating their home ground, Danie Craven Stadium, and losing coach Steve Barker, who joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Barker’s replacement, Gavin Hunt, however, has a strong record of securing Top 8 finishes. He will aim to guide Stellenbosch into that bracket and keep their hopes of winning early silverware, via the MTN8 competition, alive.
Siwelele – 27 points
Siwelele have done well in their primary objective of avoiding relegation and are currently 10 points clear of bottom side Magesi.
However, coach Lehlohonolo Seema has set a higher target for his side, insisting they will fight to finish the season strongly in the coming weeks. That push could also improve their chances of sneaking into the Top 8.