It’s do-or-die in the play-offs

Gaining promotion to the Betway Premiership is a big deal and we still can’t believe it.

- Michael Gumede

On gaining promotion

We have players who have been with the team for a long time, and I know it means a lot to them as well. I don’t think it’s a mistake; we deserve this because the team has been playing well. Personally, I’d say I don’t have much experience as a coach, but the chairman helped me a lot in terms of adapting to the demands that come with coaching at this level. Going into coaching was not an easy decision, but luckily the other guys in the technical team have been very helpful, and I was able to grow as a young assistant coach. So, yes, it it means a lot to me too. We learnt a lot, especially during last season and the play-offs. One of those lessons was the importance of having a balanced team because there was a time when we were competing in the Nedbank Cup as well as the league, and it was not easy. It’s really tough in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but luckily I’ve played there before. So, I'd say what makes things tougher in the MFC is the fact that everyone plays for one thing, to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership.

On the play-offs