Usuthu’s Mbanjwa braces for Stellenbosh showdown in Top 8 quest

With the top flight drawing to a close in just four matches, Mbanjwa has put finishing in the top eight as their top priority.

The KZN side are currently twelfth on the league table, two points behind Kaizer Chiefs, who are their next opponents on Sunday.

Mbanjwa knows their ambitions of victory against second placed Stellies are daunting, and he has encouraged his team to increase their intensity.

“It won’t be an easy game, especially since we are playing away,” said the 25-year-old.

Stellenbosch have a strong record in the league thus far and head into the clash after a disappointing Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, breaking their 25-game unbeaten streak.

Usuthu’s performances have been indifferent of late with two wins, two losses and a draw in their last five league games and a 4-2 loss to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

“We must up our game, especially after our last 2-1 defeat against Richards Bay FC.”

“Luck hasn’t been on our side lately. Judging the past few games we have played, we were fortunate to have won the game against Chippa United, but we haven’t been doing well.

“We’re looking forward to these last four games to improve and do better to get into the top 8 which is a priority right now.”