After four consecutive defeats at the start of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, Cape Town Spurs coach Shaun Bartlett has urged his side to show character when they face Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT+2)
The Dube Birds currently occupy 12th spot on the league table and accumulated just four points from three matches played so far.
Swallows have been enduring a stuttering start to the new league campaign, recording a draw with Golden Arrows followed by a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in their couple of fixtures.
However, Steve Komphela’s charges go into their next game on the back of a morale boosting 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United, albeit under controversial circumstances. In Swallows' 2-1 win over Babina Noko, Badra Sangare claimed a lofted ball into the penalty area, however, a coming together with Gabadinho Mangho saw the goalkeeper cross the line with the ball in his hand.
As the goal proved to be the difference in the tie, the incident made headlines in local football media. However, Komphela took the philosophical approach in mentioning that the heavens ‘smiled’ upon his side.
“All in all because of the hard work, determination, and the desire we shown, luck fell on our side whether the goal has got its own questions and all that,” Komphela mentioned.
“Listen, you got to work for it as it showed we wanted it desperately.
“I mean, we couldn’t go on with all the good work, good play, and good attitude without getting the results. And the heavens have smiled with us.”
Sitting in last position on the log, the Spurs form sheet does not make for a good reading.
After four matches played, the Urban Warriors remain winless upon their return to top flight football, recording defeats against TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City and Chippa United.
Earlier this week, Spurs took to their social media handles in reiterating their support of Bartlett, as reports in the media suggested that the Bafana Bafana legend could be under fire in his position as head coach at the club.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Bartlett urged his side to show character with the hope of getting points on their trip to the Dobsonville Stadium.
“Our players realised we can outplay our opposition, but we have to take our chances, you cant have 17, 20 shots on goal and not score one,” Bartlett said.
“We have to make sure our conversation rate is much higher and gather as much points in the next couple of games.
“Our primary goal is to stay in the DStv Premiership, even if it's in position 14,that is what we want and then build on that and keep the club going for the next decade or so.
“We have to make the character come to the front.
“We have to stand up tall, we only have ourselves to blame for being in this position. It's now about playing to get results, so we are looking forward to our upcoming fixture against Swallows.”
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