JOHANNESBURG – University of Pretoria assistant coach Tendai Tanyanyiwa  says his team can still claw back into contention for an Absa Premiership  slot despite falling in their first game against Mbombela United, when they face favourites Highlands Park in Play-Offs match at Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.

AmaTuks lost 1-0 in their opening match against Mbombela at Tuks Stadium  in Tshwane, blighting their chances of restoring their status in the top  flight elite.

A first half strike from Mxolisi Gumede guided Mbombela United to a win  over the University of Pretoria.
The visitors ended the game with 10-men, Mxolisi Mayongo receiving his  marching orders with 10 minutes remaining.

Having suffered a 3-0 defeat to Highlands Park in the opening fixture, Mbombela headed to the South African capital in desperate need of a win to  keep their top-flight aspirations alive and they did just that much to the
chagrin of the hosts.

“We are very aware of the fact that we faltered in our first match against  Mbombela at home, but that is now in the past and we are looking forward  to a different match altogether against Highlands Park.

“It will be a tough game because Highlands have been playing good football, but we are ready for the big match. We will bounce back,” says Tanyanyiwa.

The Tshwane-based side need nothing less that a victory against Highlands  if they entertain any chances of getting back into the Premiership.

Allan Freese the Highlands Park coach told the media; ” My players know what the tournament is about now and I’m just happy that we played away to  Mbombela in our first game and got the three points.

“I’m happy for the three points, but there is still a long way to go.”

Promotion Play-Offs Fixtures
Saturday 11 June 2016
Highlands Park v University of Pretoria Makhulong Stadium 15:00
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Highlands Park v Mbombela United Makhulong Stadium 15:00
Saturday 18 June 2016
Mbombela United v University of Pretoria Kanyamazane Stadium 15:00
Wednesday 22 June 2016
University of Pretoria v Highlands Park Tuks Stadium 15:00

– Guardian