Why Shaun Bartlett broke into tears after Casric victory

Cape Town Spurs coach Shaun Bartlett has explained his emotions after their crucial win against Casric Stars in the PSL Promotion Playoffs on Wednesday. Bartlett broke into tears after the 1-0 victory to edge closer to a return to the PSL elite league.

The Urban Warriors now need just one point to secure promotion to the DStv Premiership. But they could find themselves being promoted this Saturday if Maritzburg United drops points at Casric.

Their return is also not yet guaranteed. Maritzburg could spoil their party if they win the remaining two matches [against Casric and Spurs].

SHAUN BARTLETT EXPLAINS HIS EMOTIONS

“There was a lot of emotion going through me after [the match]. Obviously, with what happened throughout the game itself,” he told the media.

“More than what the players gave on the field, I couldn’t ask for. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but obviously, when you go a man down, these guys will tell you, we have gone through it three or four times.

“We have always managed to win games, and that again shows the perseverance and resilience of the squad and what we have gone through the whole season. Especially with what happened on the last day against AmaTuks,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we had to pick ourselves up and regroup and start playing in the playoffs. In all three games, everybody keeps talking about goal difference. If we win games, sometimes that will not matter.”

CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD DURING PSL PROMOTION PLAYOFFS CLASH

Bartlett also touched on the controversial red card of star player Ashley Cupido early in the second half. The Motsepe Foundation Championship top goal scorer, was given his marching orders after reacting to a challenge from a Casric defender.

“Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest. From where I was standing, the fourth official and the assistant referee were trying to call him to speak to him. But while they were questioning what he was doing and why he was given a red card. He did not communicate with the assistant referee or to the fourth official.

“So my guess is as good as yours as to why Ashley got a red card because that player tackled him from behind. He stood up with no arms, no hands. Nothing was done as far as the red card. So I have no idea, so we will wait for the match report.”

Spurs’ last match of the playoffs will be away to Maritzburg next week Wednesday.

RELATED STORY: CT Spurs halfway through to returning to the DStv Prem