Football | National First Division

Neil Tovey © Backpagepix

Tovey hails hard work



Thanda Royal Zulu coach Neil Tovey says simple hard work is the secret behind his side’s good start to the National First Division season.

Thanda are currently in second place on the log, tied on points with leaders University of Pretoria and Blackburn Rovers in third place, and are starting to prove themselves as contenders for promotion to the elite league.

“It’s all down to hard work and dedication. We’re all working for the same cause and so far things are going well, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Tovey.

The 49-year old former Bafana Bafana captain says he is satisfied with the squad he has and how they have started the season, but will always be keeping an eye on new talent.

“The players are responding well, but we’ll never stop looking for players who can strengthen the team and offer us more depth,” he said.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu coach insists that his players know that nothing except their best is good enough, whether or not they’ve played in the PSL.

“There’s no difference between the two leagues; football is football. We’d never allow any of the players to give less because the NFD demands the same high standards from each individual,” said Tovey.

Amabhubesi came close to regaining promotion at the end of last season when they finished as runners up in the coastal stream, but lost the semifinal tie against Bay United 4-1 on aggregate.

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