Bay United coach Khabo Zondo has thrown down the gauntlet to his players.
The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach and his team are fighting for their Premier Soccer League lives and he has had a one-on-one pep talk with every player in a bid to avoid relegation.
Bay, bottom of the log with 20 points, face another daunting task when they host Kaizer Chiefs at Port Elizabeth’s ERPU Stadium on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Bay have had a month’s break due to the Nedbank Cup and the Fifa 10-day break for international matches, and Zondo said the rest had done his players a power of good.
”I have told each player what a tough road lies ahead. I explained how important they are to the club and the club’s future. I have encouraged them and told them we are in this together and I will be behind them all the way.
”I also said a demanding five games lies ahead and all are cup finals. I will only select players I believe are committed in training to face Chiefs as well as the five remaining fixtures. The chips are down and we know a win over a big team like Chiefs would give us tremendous hope and boost morale ahead of the path ahead.
”We are not relegated yet and aim to give Chiefs the fight of their lives. A win would ease the pressure and what better way to ease it than beating a team fighting for the title.”
The fact that Thanda Royal Zulu were beaten 3-1 away to Moroka Swallows and second bottom Bloemfontein Celtic drew 1-1 at home to Orlando Pirates on Sunday, has helped Bay’s cause a little.
Celtic are second bottom five points ahead with 25 and TRZ are on 26 with five games to go.
Zondo said despite not playing for a month, he was confident his players would face Chiefs refreshed and revitalised: ”The break has been a blessing in that the players are now mentally and physically rejuvenated. The desire to avoid relegation is enormous — I can see it in their eyes.”
Zondo said he would be springing a few selection surprises. ”I am going to field players who will die for the cause and fight to the death.”
Zondo watched Amakhosi draw 0-0 in a disappointing clash against Free State Stars at Rustenburg’s Olympia Park on Saturday.
”Chiefs had a lot of players missing — such as Jose Torrealba, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Tinashe Nengomasha. I am sure we will face a much stronger and determined Chiefs side who know they need to beat us to keep their title hopes alive.”
But Zondo is a realist. ”I do not want or expect any favours from Chiefs and at the same time they face us at home and must not expect us to lie down and die.” – Sapa