Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler believes his side is one of the best-managed clubs in the Absa Premiership.
A 2-1 win over AmaZulu at Harry Gwala Stadium lifted the spirits of the fans but Usuthu remain at the foot of the table, three points adrift of Free State Stars having played a game more.
“This team can’t be relegated, we don’t deserve to go to the National First Division, we are a very professional club and only a few teams are managed like us,” Tinkler told the media after the match.
With eight games left in the league season, Tinkler added that he is demanding double work from his players in an attempt to avoid the play-offs.
“We don’t want to be in the playoffs and for us to achieve that we need to work extra hard and win all our home games. We must prepare to win against the top teams as we want to avoid the play-offs,” he continued.
The upcoming fixture list also hasn’t been kind on the Team of Choice – they face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday before hosting Mamelodi Sundowns next Tuesday. Thereafter a trip to Bloemfontein awaits where they will take on Celtic.
“We needed this win [on Friday] for mental strength for our next three tough games,” Tinkler continued.
“After losing to Cape Town City, we had to get these maximum points.”
