AmaTuks, the University of Pretoria’s senior male football team, saw their Premium Soccer League (PSL) dreams come to an end in the recent playoffs. After a remarkable 2023/24 season that included a semi-final appearance in the Nedbank Cup and a second-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, hopes were high for a spot in the PSL. However, their hopes were shattered in the promotion playoffs.
AmaTuks’ strong second-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship earned them a spot in the PSL promotion playoffs. A first-place finish in this league would have granted them automatic qualification to the PSL.
The playoff series featured three teams: AmaTuks, Richards Bay FC, and Baroka FC. The final standings were as follows:
AmaTuks fumbled in their quest, managing only one win and finishing with five points. Meanwhile, with two wins and eight points, Richards Bay FC was rightfully promoted back to the PSL. Baroka FC seemed to be on a holiday, as they ended the series winless with just two points.
Prior to the playoffs, head coach Tlisane Motaung acknowledged the challenge posed by Richards Bay FC, “Mentally, Richards Bay is going to be a difficult team, simply because their mentality was switched on for playoffs.”
It seems that foresight did not translate into results on the field for AmaTuks. Despite their efforts, AmaTuks will remain in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for yet another season.
