Siwelele and Polokwane City might have contrasting results, but they will both be firmly focused on finishing the season on a high – breaking into the top eight and maintaining their top-eight status, respectively.
Siwelele ended Kaizer Chiefs’ seven-game unbeaten streak at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday night, beating them 2-0. That result all but secured their top-flight status ahead of next season, as they now have breathing space between themselves and the bottom-placed teams.
While coach Lehlohonolo Seema was pleased with achieving that milestone alongside his technical team and players, they could still add a cherry on top by finishing in the top eight. They are ninth on the log and trail eighth-placed Golden Arrows by just three points, with four games remaining this season.
Seema is not reading too much into that secondary target, emphasising that now they are safe, they will have ample time to plan better for next season and return stronger.
“I am a bit excited, not only by the game, but because next season we’ll be able to have 30 games to play, sign players that I want to strengthen the squad, and have a full pre-season with the team, which I didn’t have this time – something that I think is important,” Seema said. “I am sure we’ll be better next season.”
Meanwhile, Polokwane City did not have a good day at the office. They were beaten 1-0 by title-chasers Mamelodi Sundowns, who leapfrogged Orlando Pirates to reclaim top spot in the standings.
Not all is lost for Polokwane, who are eager to maintain their top-eight spot as they are sixth on the log. They could still bounce back by avenging the defeat when they meet Sundowns again in a follow-up clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
As such, coach Phuti Mohafe is not concerned about facing the champions again so soon, saying they need to approach the match like any other.
“It doesn’t matter. You have to play any team at any given time,” Mohafe said. “It is unfortunate that we are playing them within a period of three days. We have less time to prepare, but we have to play them. There’s nothing we can do.”
