University of Pretoria head coach Tlisane Motaung maintains missing the DStv Premiership playoffs would be unfair to his team, despite a recent slump in form.

Tuks currently sit in second place of the Motsepe Foundation Championship with 48 points, just ahead of Baroka and JDR Stars (both on 46 points). This Sunday’s final match against Baroka will be a decider for PSL top-flight playoff qualification.

“We are happy that we are playing at home, and it is in our hands, a draw gives us an opportunity and a win also gives us a clear opportunity to get in there and that’s what we are focusing on,” said Motaung. 

Tuks have only collected four points from their last six league games, dashing their hopes for automatic promotion to the DStv Premiership (won by Magesi FC). However, Motaung chooses to remain positive.

“Me as a coach I would have loved to wrap it up a long time but unfortunately it didn’t happen that way and we take it like that and move on,” said Motaung. 

Motaung believes their current position holds an advantage: “We are second on the log, so we have more of an added advantage, so we just need to win our match to make sure that we solidify that part,” affirmed Motaung.  

Motaung expressed his disappointment at the potential of missing the playoffs: “It would be really unjust for the team to not make it to the playoffs looking at the season we had and the performance we displayed against PSL teams in the Nedbank Cup.”  

All eight fixtures on the 30th and final matchday of the Motsepe Foundation Championship will kick off at (15:00), ensuring a fair and level playing field.