The ABC Motsepe League is almost at the halfway point and Muzi King Masters insists they are also strong contenders in the KwaZulu-Natal Stream.
But The Masters have not had the best of starts with two wins, three draws and two losses after seven games played and are currently in sixth position in the KZN Stream.
Despite that, club boss Muzi Ntuli remains confident The Masters can reach third place before the Christmas break.
SLOW START TO THE SEASON
Ntuli also added that the eight-point gap between them and log leaders and unbeaten Stone Breakers, who have recorded two draws in their good start to the season, can be closed.
The chairman said he has confidence especially after beating last season’s KZN champions Summerfield Dynamos (scoreline and when?) that they can stay in contention.
“The race is wide open, we didn’t start well, and we have drawn three and won two. We have managed to beat Dynamos Summerfield, who were in the national play-offs last season” Ntuli told FARPost.’
“My target is to finish the first found in third position, come the second round we are targeting first position and I can tell you where we are now that I am convinced that we will do well.
“We have worked on our weaknesses, I fear for our next opponents moving forward because we want to qualify for the playoffs.”
PHELELANI MPANGASE’S IMPACT
Ntuli is particularly banking on the experience of former PSL defender Phelelani Mpangase to inspire them in the playoff race.
The Masters are led by the retired Mpangase who represented Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United.
Ntuli said The Masters have also benefited from Mpangase’s valuable experience in CAF competitions.
“Having Phelelani Mpangase in the team has helped us a lot, I am very proud of the decision I took. He is not talking too much, his actions speak volumes and that has contributed to our good run,” Ntuli said.
“Forget about his name and experience, his attitude and experience have done wonders for us, he always teaches players new things every day. His training methods are out of this world.”
THE REFEREES CHALLENGE
However, discussion of the ABC Motsepe League is not complete without the controversy surrounding match officials.
Surprisingly, Ntuli disclosed that he has not experienced that this season but will not dispute claims made by other teams.
“There is a challenge of referees and I cannot dispute that but we have not experienced that, maybe it is because I am always at the stadium. I cannot lie and say they have robbed me, that has not happened,” Ntuli said.
Meanwhile, The Masters take a break this weekend following the postponement of their fixture against second-placed Milford FC to a date to be announced.
