CAPE TOWN – They’ve got a second chance via the back door, but Platinum Stars are ready to fight for their place in the Absa Premiership via the playoffs, says coach Roger de Sa.
In dramatic developments on Tuesday, Dikwena were given a lifeline following an arbitrator’s ruling that found Ajax Cape Town guilty of fielding an ineligible player in the shape of striker Tendai Ndoro.
The Urban Warriors were docked nine points – with the three respective points going to SuperSport United, Polokwane City and Platinum Stars, which saved De Sa’s team from automatic relegation.
Now they are gearing up for Wednesday’s first PSL promotion-relegation playoff encounter in Thohoyandou against Black Leopards (3pm kickoff), and De Sa is confident of retaining their Premiership status.
“Fortunately we managed to keep the players here. Obviously it is very short notice, the day before the game, (but) it is what it is. We have got to take our chances and have a go at it,” said De Sa.
“Now we have to play by the rules, get there and hopefully get the guys to perform. It’s a very difficult game against Leopards away from home.
“Now we have got to show our metal. We’ve got to have a second bite at it, and hopefully we can take advantage of the opportunity.”
De Sa said that Platinum Stars have taken a closer look at Black Leopards and are well-prepared for the encounter.
@PlatinumStarsFC in the bus heading to Limpopo. #BeatRelagation
ReDikwena pic.twitter.com/LID1HuWouz
— Platinum Stars (@PlatinumStarsFC) May 15, 2018
“We’ve had a look at a couple of their videos and we watched them play, so we are not going in totally blind. They are a very hungry team,” he said.
“We have to match them every step of the way if we are going to have a chance to have a go at this and survive.
“We have shown signs that we are getting better; our games haven’t been bad. We hope to continue that form.”
@ashfakmohamed