JOHANNESBURG - Divisions amongst the players at Platinum Stars was one of the major problems which led to their relegation from the Premiership. This according to Enocent Mkhabela, who spoke with the media at the Selati Cup in KaMhlushwa in Mpumalanga this past weekend.
Stars have been relegated twice in one season. After finishing at the bottom of the log during the regular season, they were handed a lifeline when Ajax Cape Town were docked points, dropping the Cape Townians into the last spot in the standings and lifting Stars to 15th - the promotional/relegation play-off spot. Dikwena then fluffed their opportunity to stay in the Absa Premiership as they failed to win those play-offs, handing their PSL status to Black Leopards instead. Mkhabela revealed that the team was divided, hence their demotion to the lower league.
“The disappointment is huge since we got relegated. It is the first time, I got relegated. We have to man up. If we can work together as a team, I believe we can achieve a lot," he said. "If can play for the team, not as individuals (we can bounce back quick). We were not together as a team. We were to individual. We had groups. I’m still very angry about the fact that we got relegated."
Stars will be campaigning in the (NFD) next season and will be looking to bounce back, much like what was achieved by Highlands Park recently. The Lions of the North returned to the elite league with a bang as they were crowned NFD champions a season after being relegated.
Key to Stars’ rejuvenation will be to keep the core of the team. Mkhabela remained mum when asked about his future. “It is going to depend on the negotiations. I’m still contracted to them and they must decide. Whatever they decided on, we have to agree. I still have one season left on my contract,” he elaborated.