Our team spirit will see us through – Mthethwa
Platinum Stars defender Sibusiso Mthethwa believes Dikwena have what it takes to survive relegation.
Sibusiso Mthethwa of Platinum Stars challenged by Eleazar Rodgers of Bidvest Wits (Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix)
Mthethwa knows all about the pressures of fighting relegation. The central defender was part of University of Pretoria team that got relegated a few seasons ago.
However, Mthethwa is adamant he will not experience the same pain with Dikwena. Mthethwa says he and his teammates have to be mentally strong to ensure they stay in the PSL.
“Sometimes you lose confidence because people see you as already relegated. When I was fighting relegation with Tuks we went down because some of us were not mentally strong. What I learnt is that no matter which position you find yourself in, you have to think positive at all times. We have to take each game as it comes. I believe everything is going to go well with us here. It’s just a matter of collecting points,” said Mthethwa, whose side is at the basement of the Absa Premiership table.
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Mthethwa’s spirits were lifted by Dikwena’s spirited displays during a 3-3 draw with Chippa United at the weekend where Roger De Sa’s men had to come from behind, not once, not twice but thrice.
“There are 30 points to play for so I am confident that we will come out. We have great fighting spirit. Over the weekend against Chippa, we came from behind three times. We bounced back after every goal they scored. It shows that we are all on the same page. It shows that we can die for each other. We have that brotherhood and it’s encouraging us to keep on pushing.
We scored three goals against Chippa so it means there are more goals to come,” said Mthethwa.
Prior the Chippa match, Dikwena players had a meeting among themselves in order to right their wrongs. Mthethwa is confident things will turn in their favour.
“We have quality team. What lacked before was team spirit and brotherhood. We had a meeting as players to address that. We need to support each other on and off the field. In this situation we need one another. In the remaining 10 games we need to win at least six or so matches. That way we will be out of relegation. We have to fight and play each and every game as if it is a cup final,” said Mthethwa.
Dikwena’s next assignment is on February 14 when they host Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
