ROGER Sikhakhane will only start talking about Thanda Royal Zulu’s chances of returning to the Premier Soccer League after 23 games.
He says it is too early to start celebrating.
“We are still far from thinking about promotion. We have 40 points, it’s too early to say we are there yet. Fair enough, we are 10 points ahead, but that doesn’t mean we are on our way to the title. Maybe after 23 games we can start talking about it,” said Sikhakhane.
Sikhakhane has experience in taking a team to the PSL. He led Chippa United to their first stint in top flight football in 2011-12.
Amabhubesi are still unbeaten after 18 matches and 10 points clear at the top of the National First Division standings.
Then 10-man Thanda were held 2-2 by AmaZulu in their KZN derby match on Sunday after Zitha Macheke was sent off. Thanda were 2-0 up, with Mhlengi Cele scoring both goals, and looked set for their 12th win of the season.
But Usuthu were not ready to surrender, fighting their way back and earning a valuable point away from home. Captain Thapelo Nyongo and Siyabonga Nomvethe were the scorers for Usuthu.
On their comeback Nyongo said: “We had to dig deep as players to make sure we get the point. At 2-0 down against the log leaders in front of their home supporters we looked beaten, but we were never ready to give up.
“We looked at our disappointed fans who had travelled with us and knew we needed to do something. We are happy with the point and are looking to build on it.”
The point didn’t make any difference for Usuthu as far as league standing goes, however. They are still eighth with 25 points.
Third-placed Royal Eagles are still in contention for the promotion play-offs and could catch up to Thanda should they suffer some hiccups.
Eagles beat Mthatha Bucks 3-2 on Saturday. The three points has helped them reduce the gap between them and Thanda. They are now 11 points behind the leaders and one behind second-placed Black Leopards.
The other KZN team, Real Kings, also won their weekend match when they beat Jomo Cosmos 1-0. They remain in 12th place.
