/ 3 March 2009

It’s do or die for Bay United

Bay United coach Khabo Zondo told his players to stand up and be counted as the team face relegation after only one season in the top flight.

Bay United coach Khabo Zondo told his players to stand up and be counted as the Port Elizabeth-based Premier Soccer League team face the real threat of returning to the National First Division after only one season in the top flight.

Zondo pulled no punches ahead of his side´s Absa Premiership relegation showdown against Maritzburg United at the ERPU Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 3.30pm. ”The players owe it to the people of the Eastern Cape and Port Elizabeth to get out and beat Maritzburg and give the club a lifeline for their survival in the PSL.”

Zondo did not mince his words when he added: ”Apart from anything else the players are playing for their futures and careers. It would be a tragedy if we were relegated. The chairman and club management have looked after the players while the fans have supported us through thick and thin and they all deserve more from the players.

”I do not care what it takes to win, even if the players have to go out and break their legs then it will be a worthwhile sacrifice if we stay up.”

Zondo, a former Bafana Bafana assistant coach was frustrated by the team´s performance in the a vital match against fellow relegation candidates Thanda Royal Zulu, which Bay lost 1-0 in Durban last Sunday.

He said: ”I do not know what it is about our local players. They knew what was at stake and yet lacked urgency or determination.”

Bay sunk deeper into the relegation quagmire after losing both their away matches against Ajax Cape Town (4-1) and TRZ.

Bay have six matches left and are bottom of the table on 20 points. United are in 15th position with two points more, but have two matches in hand over the Port Elizabeth-based club.

Zondo stressed: ”This is do or die. We cannot afford to lose as then we will have only five games left and time will be running out. Maritzburg are in a similar position and will come here fighting for their PSL survival.”

Zondo is determined that his players pull up their socks and show more urgency against a United side he believes Bay can beat. ”I know that Maritzburg are vulnerable in defence and we must capitalise on that weakness. But it is going to be a difficult and tight game for both teams. It will be like a cup final with the winner not getting a cup but given fresh hope of playing in the PSL next season. It is that important to both clubs.” — Sapa