Tuks turn focus back to NFD and target direct promotion

AmaTuks are currently second on the log and in fierce competition with Magesi FC, who hold a one-point lead at the top with seven games to go. Tuks are away to Maritzburg United at 19:30 tonight at the Sugar Ray Xulu stadium in Claremont, Durban.

READ: Fight for survival far from over says Moroka Swallows coach 

Tuks head coach Tlisane Motaung emphasizes the importance of avoiding play-offs where they lost to Moroka Swallows during the 2021/2022 season.

''We have improved a lot from that situation and we have learned a lot from that situation, that is why our intention is to try and get the team promoted without going through playoffs,'' said Motaung.

 AmaTuks play Magesi in a six-pointer and potential decider this weekend at the Tuks stadium in Pretoria. With some of the challenges in the Motsepe Foundation Championship including match officiating, Motaung was asked about the importance of most of the remaining games being broadcast on national television.

  ''It plays a key role and one has to really appreciate PSL for giving us that platform for our games to be on TV, so that everyone can see what is happening,'' added Motaung.

Recently, there was an exchange of words between coaches in the National First Division (NFD) that went viral on social media after a game between Baroka FC and Orbit College. Motaung avoided discussing some technical aspects of the broadcasting of the matches.

''So you have to be really realistic about what you are facing in your league, you can't be excited every time to say you want to play a good brand of football, but even if we're not on TV - we try to do our best,'' he concluded.

One of AmaTuks’ strengths during this critical phase of the season, is the availability of resources at their disposal, that they are using efficiently to benefit the team. Motaung, says the strength and conditioning unit in their technical team is coming in handy now.