Top eight will be great for fired-up City

Despite a good run that has seen them in eighth position after 21 games, Polokwane City coach, Jozef Vukusic is not getting carried away and believes there is still so much work for his team to do to finish in the top eight, as per the mandate at the beginning of the season.

By the look of things, Rise and Shine can move as high up as fourth or above, but Vukusic remains humble and said the target is still ensuring MTN8 participation next season.

“That was it at the start and that is what it is now,” he said after grafting to earn a point with a 1-1 draw against Absa Premiership title favourites Mamelodi Sundowns this week.

“I believe in this team. The mandate stays like that. There are eleven teams fighting for it so it will be tough. We will soon be playing three games in six days, but we can do it,” he added.

The point earned away at Sundowns was as detrimental to the defending champions as it was good for City, not only in adding to their total tally but also in getting their confidence back and now Vukusic hopes they will have their groove back and start winning again after a recent slump.

“That was important, especially after Maritzburg game,” said the 54-year-old mentor.

“It was a long wait before this game. And we came here and we needed the confidence and am happy we got it and I hope from here we can progress and get better,” he added.

Next on City’s campaign is a match against Kaizer Chiefs, who still have some hope of springing a late surprise and snatching the league title from other seeming more credible contenders like Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns’ noses.

City host Amakhosi at Peter Mokaba Stadium this afternoon, with the match set for a 3.30pm kick-off.

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