Bloemfontein Celtic aim to settle in top half

Like the rest of the teams in the top tier, Celtic are juggling their league commitments with a participation in the Nedbank Cup.

Middendorp’s charges thrashed Western Cape side University of Stellenbosch 8-0, and now face second division outfit Witbank Spurs in the last-16 round of the cup competition.

But Phunya Sele Sele moved to eighth in the top tier at the weekend through a 2-0 victory over Clive Barker’s Mpumalanga Black Aces, thanks to a brace by Lerato Lamola.

Middendorp was impressed with the quality of play displayed by his side but rued the missed chances adding that the team could have walloped AmaZayoni.

“I think we could have scored seven or eight,” said Middendorp.

“But that’s what happens when you don’t take your chances.

“I think the players were on good form, they managed to pass the ball around and create chances.

“A finish in the top eight would be good for the team and if we keep these victories consistent and collect points I think we will be able to manage that.”

After a brief stint of brilliance where the team collected six points in succession, AmaZayoni have now slipped to 12th with 23 points, but have a game in hand.

Barker, a former Bafana Bafana coach, blamed a loss of concentration on his side’s downfall.

“We managed to hold them until the break,” said Barker.

“And we had a lapse of concentration in the 50th minute where they managed to capitalise on it.

“But all in all I think we played good football.”

With an average of 10 games remaining for teams in the league, keen interest will not only be expressed at the top of the table but also on those fighting to leapfrog out of the dreaded relegation mire.