Posted on May 07, 2021
Spartak of TuksFootball, is well on its way to qualify for the playoffs of the 2021 SAFA Tshwane Regional League.
The team has won nine of their eleven games so far and drew twice. What is impressive is that they scored 22 goals and only conceded six.
According to the Tuks head coach, Nicholas Stothard, it will be mission accomplished if his team win three of their last six games.
"I think 38 league points ought to guarantee us a place in the playoffs. Currently, the team has 29 points topping the A-stream of the league. There are 36 teams playing.
"Our wins in the last few games had not been that convincing. But as it said, championship teams know how to win 1-0 and come away with three points’ week and week out. In five of our 11 games, the score was 1-0. I guess I can't have my cake and eat it-complaining if we are winning."
Stothard is genuinely proud of how his players stepped up.
"We possibly got one of the youngest teams in the competition. The average age is just under 21. You would not say that when seeing them play. We are at the moment like a well-oiled machine. Every player knows what is expected. Part of our success had been giving every player game time."
Apparently, there will be an opportunity to register some new players. Stothard is contemplating bringing in some of the AmaTuks players for the playoffs.
"It would be nice to have a bit more depth and fresh legs on the field.
Stothard is hesitant to single out specific players as he believes there is no "I" in team". He, however, can't help be impressed with the skills of Siyabonga Gumede, the team's goalkeeper.
"Siyabonga has made big saves at crucial times. His distribution is also a weapon for the team, whereby his offensive threat is as good as his goalkeeping ability.
"Alexander Stothard is our top goal scorer. So far, he has scored seven goals. It means he is one of the top six goal scorers of the tournament. Alexander seems to have a knack for reading the game being at the right place at the right moment.
"Kamogelo Mabasa (centre back) has taken over as captain recently because of his outstanding performance. He has been an ever-present in our backline commanding leading the team to victory."
Visit safatshwane.org.za/stream-a, for 2021 SAFA Tshwane Regional League - Stream A fixtures, results and log standings
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