Sports

D-Day for VTM, Chadibe

We go again: VTM and Chadibe will finish what they started last week PIC: CHADIBE FC
 
We go again: VTM and Chadibe will finish what they started last week PIC: CHADIBE FC

Chadibe and ‘Bafana Ba Dijabane’ will have to fight sweat and blood at the VTM Arena as only the victor earns the right to play in the Premier League next season.The team from the north holds a slight advantage after winning the first leg 1-0. Chadibe managed to keep the likes of Sfiso Myeni and Senatla Molefe at bay, with the two players very influential for VTM this season.

The away goal rule does not apply in the promotional playoffs. After Chadibe's first-leg win, the ball is now in VTM’s court to craft a response. If the two teams are tied at the end of 90 minutes, they will head straight to penalties without the benefit of extra time.

With the stakes high, the two sides indicated they do not feel the pressure going into the second leg. VTM manager, Boitshepo Gaegopolwe said their team is more than ready for the challenge. “The mood in the team has been fantastic the whole week and we do not have any pressure although we are one goal down. I believe we can still do it and get the promotion,” Gaegopolwe said.

He said they are not shaken by trailing to Chadibe. “You see with playing promotional playoffs, it is not new to us. Last season, we played against UB Hawks that had never lost a game but we defeated them and earned promotion. The very same thing will happen over the weekend,” he said.

Gaegopolwe said the club has the utmost trust in coach Leutlwetse Tshireletso and his troops to wrap up the game on Saturday and gain promotion in back-to-back seasons. Chadibe head coach, Joseph Banyatsi said the pressure is on VTM and not on his side. 'We do not have any pressure against VTM as we already have a lead against them,' Banyatsi said. He added his charges were only under pressure last week as it was the first time the two teams met. 'Now we have analysed our game against VTM and I feel like we are good to go,' he said.

Banyatsi added that the squad has been bolstered by the return of young sensation, Kagiso Mokgore. 'We will have Kagiso as he has returned to full fitness after he missed the last encounter due to an injury and he is really a marvel to watch that boy,' Banyatsi said. Despite being a goal to the good, Banyatsi said his team will go full force on the attack. 'We do not plan to defend when we face them. We plan on going all out and on the attack. One should know that a football game is not all about defending but also attacking to get the winning goals, which is what we intend to do,' the coach said. The game kicks off at 3pm.