STATE OF PLAY – DStv Premiership bottom 4

Mlu Mdletshe assesses the bottom four clubs in the DStv Premiership as they approach the international break. Can they seize this opportunity to revitalize their campaigns and make a turnaround?

CAPE TOWN CITY

Cape Town City’s only two wins this season came in their opening matches against Polokwane City and Swallows, but they have since failed to build on from that ever since. They were knocked out of the MTN8 by Kaizer Chiefs before going on a horrible run in the league where they lost to SuperSport United, Sekhukhune United as well as Orlando Pirates. They will return to action with a visit to Durban to face another struggling side in AmaZulu, who lie below them but level on 6 points. Eric Tinkler will assess their next three fixtures and seem them as a way to elevate the club out of the bottom 4 of the division.

AMAZULU

AmaZulu appointed a new coach before the start of the season, but Pablo Martin has not been able to get his message across the team as yet. They recorded their first win of the season last week against TS Galaxy, and will return to action with a home encounter against Tinkler’s Cape Town City. They face Orlando Pirates in early October, but have winnable matches against Swallows and Polokwane City before that.

RICHARDS BAY

Richards Bay FC’s woes continue under new coach Kaitano Tembo this new campaign. They remain the only KZN side without a win so far, and have only managed two points from their five matches played. I think the resumption of the league will be a true test of their ability and character because they have been playing very badly for a long time. They get back to action with a visit to Moroka Swallows before hosting Chippa United and really should aim for maximum points in these games in an effort to retain their PSL status.

CAPE TOWN SPURS

Cape Town Spurs’ struggles this season were predicted by many ahead of their first game which they lost against SuperSport. Two goals scored and 10 conceded in five matches tells you of their situation; unable to convert chances while defending poorly in the early stages of the season. Shaun Bartlett has been backed by the club’s management to turn thigs around, but they might want to seriously think about going another way – possibly somebody a bit more experience managing a small club in the PSL. They take on second-placed Golden Arrows when they resume and this will be where their turnaround begins.