Cape Town City interim coach Diogo Peral says nothing less than victory will do when his side faces Casric Stars in a crucial PSL promotion playoff match.
The Citizens missed a golden opportunity to take control of the mini-league after playing to a goalless draw with Orbit College at home this past weekend.
Orbit tops the mini-log with two points from two games, while City and Casric sit behind with one each, having played once.
“A home game is where you want to collect maximum points. We know how tough it is to travel during the playoffs. We’ve seen it in other matches – away games are a real challenge,” the Cape Town City coach told Sowetan.
Peral admitted his squad was disrupted by suspensions, forcing changes and reliance on less experienced players, and they have done their homework on their opponents.
“The suspensions didn’t help, but the youngsters who came in did well. We have to focus on the positives and move on. We’ve watched them at home. They’re direct and aggressive. We need to find the right personnel to match their intensity,” he added.
“It’s been tough training without games – mentally and physically. But now, it’s time. We need to go and get it done.”
City will hope to register their first win of the playoffs and put pressure on Orbit, with only one spot up for grabs in the Betway Premiership.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we’re ready,” Peral concluded.