Tuks & Dube Birds battle for top spot in PSL Promotion playoff

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jun 03, 2022. 15:31

The University of Pretoria host Swallows FC in a crucial PSL Playoff fixture at the Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as both teams go into the all-important tie level on points.

Kick off is at 3pm

For the home side, Tuks traveled to the Athlone Stadium on Sunday, May 29, where they took on Cape Town All Stars in their first PSL Promotion playoff game.

Tuks flexed their muscles in a 3-1 victory in the Mother City, as goals from Samuel Julies, Thabang Sibayoni and Wonderboy Makhubu were enough to claim maximum points for the visiting side.

In the game, CT All Stars saw more of the ball in terms of the passing statistics, while also bossing the ball possession numbers. However it was not to be for the Western Cape outfit as Tuks managed to make it count where it matters.

Also, Swallows FC hosted Cape Town All Stars at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, June 1 and collected maximum points in a 2-1 win over the travelling side.

Coach Dylan Kerr’s side had to fight for their points after conceding a goal just five minutes shy of the break, as Justice Figuareido put CT All Stars ahead in a crucial phase of the match.

As the Dude Birds created more chances, Mbulelo Wambi pulled one back in the 68th minute. In the dying stages of the match, Joseph Mhlongo put the hosts ahead deep into injury time after Ruzaigh Gamaldien found the attacker with a pin-point cross inside the area.

Regarding the log, Tuks lead the way with a slight goal difference advantage, given their 3-1 win over CT All Stars earlier this week. Level on points, a victory for either side could see them take charge of the table after their first set of fixtures.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Tuks star defender Keegan Allan mentioned that while the Pretoria side were disappointed not to earn automatic promotion, they have been in good spirits during the PSL Playoffs.

“We prepared the same way for every game,” said Allan.

“We go into every game knowing how we play, we have our identity and just focus on implementing that into our own game.

“We are very positive going into the playoffs so far, we were a bit disappointed not to get the automatic promotion but we’re all in good spirits and we look at every game equally, regardless of the opposition.

“That’s what we are focusing on now going into the next game.”