With two DStv Premiership matches remaining for AmaZulu FC, the club’s head coach Pablo Franco Martin has made admission about the top-eight finish.
Usuthu face Sekhukhune United away on Saturday, May 18th at Peter Mokaba Stadium (3 PM), before concluding their campaign with a KZN derby against Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 25th (3 PM).
‘Cijimpi’, who took charge of the Durban club pre-season, has overseen a full campaign with AmaZulu currently sitting in 12th place with 33 points after 28 league matches.
Mathematically, a disastrous two-game losing streak could still see them drop into the relegation playoffs. However, Martin is confident their superior goal difference makes a 15th-place finish highly unlikely.
While relegation fears seem quelled, Martin concedes that a top-eight finish is no longer entirely in their control. He emphasised their focus on collecting maximum points in their remaining games, hoping for favorable results elsewhere to boost their chances of a top-eight finish.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN SAYS TOP EIGHT IS NO LONGER IN THEIR HANDS
“There are two ways of looking at it, there is a negative one, looking at the bottom of the table and to that promotion position but I think the gap is six points,” said Martin.
“There are six points left to play for, the goal difference is favourable to us. I think it’s not mathematically done but it’s almost done [to avoid playoffs].
“The way we look into the picture is looking higher, we are looking at the eighth position, ninth position, tenth position.
“We are going to go to Sekhukhune knowing that they are also playing for a good position in the log, it’s going to be a tough game. We already experienced that scenario with them in the Nedbank Cup.
“And we were capable of beating them, and then Arrows is the last game we are going to play. It’s a derby, we are also fighting to be the best ones this season in KwaZulu-Natal.
“So, I think the motivation should be there. And our intention is to try to collect as many points as possible. I think we don’t depend on us to finish in the top eight but if we are collecting points we might have that chance.
“And if we don’t have that chance we must reach high position as possible in the log.”
RELATED STORY: Pablo Franco makes AmaZulu bold claim ahead of Richards Bay clash
