Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup coach Zungu Nkosi remains optimistic his side will escape relegation.
By: Refilwe Sebola
With just three matches remaining in the ABC Motsepe League Stream A, Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup finds itself in a perilous position—sitting at the bottom of the league table with only eight points from 19 games.
However, despite their challenging circumstances, head coach Zungu Nkosi remains determined not to give up.
Last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Winnerspark severely impacted Syrup’s hopes for survival. This loss also shifted the dynamics of the relegation battle, allowing both Winnerspark and Maruleng Celtics to escape the danger zone.
The fight for survival is now clearly between Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup and Black Leopards.
Leopards, who suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Munaca last week, currently sit second from the bottom with 14 points—six points ahead of Syrup. While the gap may seem significant, the mathematics still allow for a dramatic finale. If Syrup wins all of their remaining three matches, they could finish the season with 17 points. This scenario, combined with Leopards losing all their remaining fixtures, would enable Golden Syrup to pull off one of the most remarkable escapes in recent memory.
Coach Nkosi remains optimistic. “We still believe we have a chance to avoid relegation,” he stated. “It’s in our hands. We must win all our games. The players are feeling positive.”
Syrup’s final three fixtures present a tough but not impossible challenge. They will face Maruleng Celtics next, followed by an away match against Selwane White Vultures, and then a final home game against Musina. In contrast, Leopards have a difficult schedule ahead, taking on title contenders Selwane White Vultures and Mpheni Defenders, as well as the well-drilled Nkowankowa Continental.
“The spirit is high. We will be smiling after the last game,” Nkosi added confidently.
Whether that smile will be one of relief or resignation is yet to be determined. One thing is clear: Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup is not going down without a fight.