After missing out on automatic promotion to the DStv Premiership, University of Pretoria coach Tlisane Motaung remains confident Tuks can gain promotion via the playoffs.
However, Motaung is under no illusion that reaching the top flight of South African football will be no walk in the park.
AmaTuks finished second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) behind champions Magesi FC to qualify for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) relegation/promotion playoffs.
Motaung’s troops will do battle for the remaining DStv Premiership spot with Baroka FC, who ended the second-tier season in third, and the 15th-placed side in the DStv Premiership, currently Richards Bay.
“I would say we are not disappointed with ourselves because when we started the season our plan was, to fight for automatic promotion, if not, we find ourselves in the playoffs,” Motaung told the media at Tuks Stadium after the one-all draw against Baroka on Sunday.
“If one doesn’t work, the other has to work and I think from our planning point of view, we have succeeded.
“Yes, we would have loved to get an automatic promotion.
“But I can assure you that getting into the playoffs was part of our plans if we don’t get automatic promotion.”
With his team boasting players who have played in the top tier before and not having to worry about the U23 MFC rule, Motaung believes they have a better chance to shine at the playoffs.
During a regular MFC campaign, teams are required to have five U23 players within their matchday squad with two of those five on the pitch at all times.
“I have got no doubts that we will be able to compete with any team that comes, though I know that it’s going to be a mountain to climb,” Motaung added.
Experienced campaigners in the AmaTuks setup include Thokozani Sekotlong, Samuel Julies, Thabang Sibanyoni, Promise Mkhuma and Ayanda Dlamini.
The top-flight side who look likely to battle to hang onto their status in the playoff battle will be between Richards Bay or Royal AM, who are 14th in the standings, just three points away from the drop zone.
“Baroka are a team with pedigree and has a coach with pedigree in Dan Malesela. He is a man who has contributed a lot to South African football,” said Motaung.
“He has produced a lot of players, and his teams always play a good brand of football.
“So, we know what we are up against and also the team that we are going to play against from (DStv Premiership), they are not in the top tier by fluke. They are going to come here and compete.
“We knew that if we go to the playoffs any team that we are going to face is going to be a tough opponent for us.
“We have to be prepared,” Motaung concluded.
Tuks coach Tlisane Motaung says they are going use experts like psychologists and nutritionists from their High Performance Centre in preparation for the play-offs. pic.twitter.com/msZQegv8ha
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) May 20, 2024
