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Tsholotsho FC’s Thandolwenkosi Ncube (left) fights for possession with Flame Lily’s Webster Muronda at White City Stadium recently

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO Football Club need to win at least four of their remaining 15 matches to be assured of another dance in the topflight league next season, head coach Lizwe Sweswe has said.

Those wins have to start this afternoon against Triangle United at White City Stadium.

Iziqholo zeZhwane are lying just above the drop zone with 16 points, the same as 12th placed Buffaloes, but have a better goal difference. The Premiership debutants have recorded just three wins, seven draws and seven losses so far.

Tsholotsho, who gained promotion into the league from the Zifa Southern Region, marked their entry into the big boys’ league with a shock 1-0 away win over an expensively assembled Harare City and followed that up with a polished display against Highlanders despite going down 1-0.

They have since been blowing cold but their cause has been eased by the equally poor performances of other teams giving them a slim hope of survival.

Tsholotsho are six points away from Highlanders and although they take Triangle who are in good form this afternoon, Sweswe remains unfazed.

“If the boys play according to our game plan, I’m sure we can be able to cause a huge surprise. It’s never easy coming out of Gibbo, but I believed we managed to do that despite the eventual loss on penalties,” said Sweswe.

Tsholotsho held Triangle to a 2-2 draw in regulation time in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup last Sunday only to fall 0-3 through the penalty lottery.

“We might not be safe from relegation but I believe if we win a minimum of four matches, beginning with the Triangle tie, we will avoid relegation because most teams are not playing well. There is no consistency in their performance except for three teams,” said Sweswe.

He reported a clean bill of health ahead of today’s clash, set to be their last game at White City before they relocate to Hartsfield Ground.

A win today will catapult Tsholotsho to 19 points, the same as coalminers Hwange, who take on FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium this afternoon.