IT’S time for Thanda to show what they’re made of.
The struggling local National First Division soccer outfit take to the road this week for three hectic away games in eight days, against the league’s front runners.
They have the chance to cause some serious upsets, and to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Present form indicates they will do just that, but standing in their way are Santos, their opponents this Friday, then it’s Vasco da Gama on Tuesday and Chippa United the following Friday (7 February).
‘There is no way we will be relegated,’ said Thanda Chairman Pierre Delvaux.
‘In fact, next season we will be back on top challenging for PSL promotion again.
‘After our poor showing in the first half of the season, we have taken drastic action, getting rid of 16 players – some of whom were simply not pulling their weight and whose attitudes were unacceptable.
‘Some of the younger ones simply did not understand or come to grips with the demands of the professional league.’
On the other end of the scale, Thanda has given long-term contracts to the other players, to ensure continuity and a platform for future success.
‘And we have brought back last year’s captain Asanda Mvalo to act as a mentor and to instil the Thanda culture among the newer players,’ said Delvaux.
‘He has plenty of experience and has been there during our play-offs so he knows the pressures.’
