Stakes are high as the National First Division play-offs get underway today at Turfloop University Fields in Polokwane.
And with every big tournament, coaches and teams are always wary of match fixing and dubious officiating which can cost teams dearly.
This is the case with Tornado coach Tshepo Motsoeneng whose outfit will get their campaign underway against North West champions, Buya Msuthu this afternoon.
While Motsoeneng said questionable officiating and match fixing were at the back of his mind, he said he was confident the Eastern Cape champions would emerge victorious and grab one of the two NFD places up for grabs.
He admitted that it was not going to be a walk in the park although they were a well-oiled goal-scoring machine after scoring more than 70 goals in the third-tier league this season.“We all know that play-offs will always have complaints or disputes, because people don’t rely on talent. They always rely on money because they feel they can influence the decision of the referees.
“I wish only the best of the best will officiate during these games.
“And we know for the referee to award us during this game, we need to work hard and be dedicated to the cause.
“So they see that even if someone promised them a million, it’s not going to change how we are playing, because we are determined to go forward,” said Motsoeneng.
Buya Msuthu will have another go at the play-offs but were accused of throwing a game in last year’s playoffs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane – an allegation the team vehemently denied.
Turning his attention to today’s game, Motsoeneng said thy would have to minimise their mistakes if they are to get the crucial three points.
“They [the players] have to think alike on the pitch and I can’t be sitting down during games because in this league you can’t sit because you’ll get the shock your of life.
“Because players need to be reminded every few seconds of what they are supposed to be doing on the pitch,” said Motsoeneng.
The former AmaZulu goalkeeper said winning the opening game would be a boost to his players.
“We need to be more tactically aware and superior to any other team.
“And also we are more comfortable on the ball than any other team here and we have to impose our game against Buya Msuthu.
“But if we see that they are more compact on the ball we have to break down the bus, their shooting, crossing, and set pieces and my players know all those things,” said Motsoeneng, adding that his charges would give their all on the pitch.
Group A: Buya Msuthu, Tornado and The Dolphins. Group B: Free State, Steenberg United, and Umvoti. Group C: Maccabi, Mpumalanga.
Today’s fixtures: Maccabi FC v Northern Cape (10am), Free State v Steenberg United (12.30pm), Buya Msuthu v Tornado (3pm).
Tomorrow’s fixtures: Steenberg United v Umvoti (10am), Tornado v The Dolphins (12.30pm), Northern Cape v Mpumalanga (3pm).
Wednesday’s fixtures: The Dolphins v Buya Msuthu (10am), Mpumalanga v Maccabi (12.30pm), Umvoti v Free State (3pm)...