Former Polokwane City defender Thabiso Semenya has shared the pain of downgrading from the DStv Premiership to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Semenya was part of the Rise and Shine squad that got relegated from the PSL in 2020. Semenya, who is based in Polokwane, was reacting to the relegation of Marumo Gallants and Maritzburg United.
The fate of Maritzburg was confirmed during the PSL relegation/promotion playoffs on Wednesday, following a 0-0 draw against Cape Town Spurs.
THABISO SEMENYA SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE OF RELEGATION
Gallants on the other hand were relegated on the last day of the season after a 2-0 defeat by Swallows.
“I’ve been there, I know it,” said the 40-year-old. “I’ve been there with Polokwane City and it’s not nice. It’s not easy, maybe only seven players can get employment. When you talk about employment you are talking about the DStv Premiership.
“Changing your life from DStv Premiership to Motsepe Foundation takes its toll on players.
Whether you like it or not, You have to downgrade.
“Whatever your lifestyle. The school your kids go to…. It has a very negative impact on your life.”
WHAT WENT WRONG AT EX DSTV PREMIERSHIP SIDE MARUMO GALLANTS
The former Platinum Stars player has also shared his thoughts on what he reckons went wrong at Marumo Gallants.
“The way they handled issues regarding the bonuses towards the end of the season. They had issues prior to the semifinals [of the CAF Confederations Cup] and the final match of the season. They should have engaged in these issues even before the season started.
“We can’t fault those players for their performances. They have beaten the best teams in Africa. So they can’t have a problem beating Swallows, No,” said Semenya.
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