What Da Gama demands ahead of the do-or-die encounter

Black Leopards coach Owen da Gama has made one demand from his players ahead of their do-or-die match against relegation rivals Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Leopards and TTM will battle against each other in a Motsepe Foundation Championship at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.

A defeat for either side might as well be the end of the road in the PSL with four matches to go.
Lidoda Duvha are bottom of the log with 18 points, while TTM are second from the bottom with 20 points.

Teams they can still possibly catch up with include La Masia, Platinum City Rovers [both 27], Baroka and Venda Football Academy [both 30]. Their fate also depends on the results of other teams.

OWEN DA GAMA DEMANDS STRONG CHARACTER FROM PLAYERS

Da Gama has now sent a strong message to his players ahead of the all-important match.

“It’s not over until the fat lady sings, it’s as simple as that. If they can build the fighting character as individuals, they will go far as players. They must show character and be honest with themselves. Not only are they playing for the badge in front but for the man behind as well,” he said.

“The games are getting fewer, there are 15 points to play for now, and it’s not easy. There is no easy game in the NFD, but we will keep on fighting.

“It is encouraging when you create chances. The players have to realise that every game is a cup final from now on. Every game is a final,” added the well-travelled coach.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TTM GAME FOR LEOPARDS

“We are playing TTM which is a bottom-of-the-log battle, and it’s one that we have to win. We can’t rely on other teams losing. We have to win our games. Every time other teams lose, we are happy, but we have to keep soldering on.”

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