Zacharia Nale
SEDIBENG. – It was an encouraging start for NWU Vaal FC at the SAB League Regional Play Offs at Reiger Park in Johannesburg over the weekend. The home side started their play-offs campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eleven Experience FC before they beat Sandton Super Stars FC 5-2 in the second game of the day.
The two top teams will be promoted to the ABC Motsepe League at the end of the season. As things stand NWU Vaal FC seems to be among the hot favourites to gain promotion if their over-weekend performance is anything to go by. The regional promotional play-offs will continue at Reiger Park on Saturday with NWU Vaal FC to play against Mamelodi Eleven FC at 12:00. This is a must-win game for the home-side if they entertain any hopes of campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League next season.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sports, NWU Vaal Football Manager/Coach Thomas Thema said it is still a long way to go before they can celebrate. He said they hope to beat Mamelodi Eleven FC and compare how they played against the performance of other teams. which can influence their results. NWU Vaal FC will also play against Orlando Pirates babies in their last game of the day.
“It was a positive start for the boys but we still have a mountain to climb before we can start celebrating. Look, as much as we can beat Mamelodi Eleven FC come Saturday, it will also depend on how other teams play, which might also influence which teams play in the ABC Motsepe League in the new season. For now, every team has a chance to gain promotion – until we know what happens after these games,” said Thema.