The 2022/23 DStv Premiership-winning coach Rulani Mokwena has weighed in on the relegation battle as the league reaches its climax.
Despite Mamelodi Sundowns clinching the title much earlier, the mentor believes this campaign it’s tough.
It’s tight at the bottom as only seven points separate seventh-placed TS Galaxy, who have accumulated 30 points, and bottom-placed Maritzburg United, who have 24 points with five games left to wrap up the league.
RULANI MOKWENA ON RELEGATION BATTLE
According to Mokwena, 30 points might not be enough for teams to survive the drop from the South African topflight.
“Traditionally, you need about 30 points to survive relegation. It doesn’t seem the case this season. It doesn’t look like it. I think 30 points might not be enough this season,” Mokwena told PowerFM.
“I was watching Marumo Gallants and Royal AM, and then I happened to look at the log. My goodness, how tight it is at the bottom. Anyone from seventh down is in the drop zone 100 percent.
“This is what I say when people say this is an easy title, you don’t have to look too far except the bottom part of the log to see how difficult it is for the teams.
“Teams are winning… It’s so tight at the bottom that reflects the competitive nature of our league.”
THE RELEGATION BATTLE HEATS UP
The next coming matches are going to be crucial for teams laying seven to last as nobody is safe and guaranteed a spot for next season.
The actual battle is on the bottom three teams Gallants, Maritzburg United and Chippa United. Gallants are one point and three points behind Maritzburg and Chippa, respectively.
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