The Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League club, Siwelele FC, is gunning for a top-eight finish this season, and they’re confident of getting the job done with only a handful of matches remaining.
Siwelele recorded arguably one of their biggest wins of the campaign last week when they stunned the mighty Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 at a near sold-out Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. While they’ve produced some standout performances in their debut season following the rebrand from SuperSport United and relocation to the Free State, the victory over the Amakhosi was particularly special, with the hosts dominating from start to finish.
The three points against the Glamour Boys also secured their top-flight status, taking them past the crucial 30-point mark and out of relegation danger. Last season, before the rebrand, SuperSport survived by the skin of their teeth.
Their fate hinged on the completion of a disrupted fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, which had been halted earlier in the campaign due to load shedding in Atteridgeville. The first half against Golden Arrows was played in February, with the second half only concluded in May. A vital point from that match lifted them from 15th to 14th, helping them avoid the relegation play-offs.
Following the impressive win over Chiefs, Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema told Bloemfontein Courant survival had been the immediate priority – but now the focus has shifted.
“We had to make sure that, before we think of anything else, we first make sure that the team is safe,” said the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates captain.
“Now, after that … it’s four games to go. We’re a team that likes to set ourselves goals, and like I’ve said before, the sooner … we get to 30 points we can plan our way forward.
“This becomes another target, and definitely the players and I will set it for ourselves. It would be a massive achievement for us this season to finish in the top eight, and I can tell the supporters this is our aim. I can proudly say we are gunning for the top eight.
“Let’s see how far we can go. It’s not easy – other teams have more points than us – but we’re not going to make it easy for anyone. We won’t relax now that we’re safe … We can smell the top eight now, and that smells good!”
On Tuesday night, Siwelele backed up their win against the Soweto giants with a 2-2 draw against newly crowned Nedbank Cup champions, Durban City FC, in wet and slippery conditions in Bloemfontein.
They face a stern test on Saturday at 17:30 against log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld. – MORGAN PIEK
