Polokwane City midfielder Manuel Kambala has called on his teammates to take responsibility for the club’s disappointing start to the season, insisting that the squad must respond with improved performances and results.
The Limpopo-based side will face Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 CAT.
The fixture comes after Polokwane City suffered a 1-0 defeat against the same opponents in the Betway Premiership last Sunday.
Speaking to journalists at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, Kambala acknowledged that the players understood the team’s difficulties but maintained that the squad had enough quality to turn things around.
“We all know [what has gone wrong], but we still have quality in the group,” the experienced Mozambican international said.
Midfielder Rejects Injuries and New Signings as Excuses
Kambala acknowledged that new arrivals were still adjusting to the team and that some previously injured players were returning to action.
However, he insisted that these circumstances could not be used to justify the club’s recent results.
“We still have all those qualities. As you know, the new players are trying to adjust, and some of those who were injured are coming back, but that’s no excuse—we have to prove ourselves on the field,” he said.
The 35-year-old also expressed confidence in the players who remain at the club following the departure of some members of the squad.
He said the team continued to trust its current group and believed coach Willy Moloto had confidence in the players to deliver improved performances.
“Even with players who left, we trust the squad we have here, and I believe our coach [Willy Moloto] trusts us too,” Kambala said.
Carling Knockout Cup Clash Viewed as Must-Win Fixture
With Polokwane City struggling in the league, Kambala has identified Saturday’s cup match as an opportunity for the team to regain momentum.
He stressed that the players understood their responsibility in the competition and needed to demonstrate their commitment on the pitch.
“So it’s on us to step up, get results, and lift this team. We all know our responsibility in this [Carling Knockout] Cup, and Saturday is an absolute must-win for us,” he said.
Polokwane City will be looking to progress to the quarter-finals by defeating Siwelele, although the visitors will arrive after beating them in their most recent meeting.
Kambala Targets Revenge Against Siwelele
Kambala believes Polokwane City have the ability to overcome Siwelele despite last weekend’s defeat.
The midfielder said the team was familiar with its opponents and had demonstrated on previous occasions that it could beat them.
“It is our opportunity, and I don’t know if we are lucky or not, but we know the opponent that we are facing; we can beat them. We proved so many times that we can beat Siwelele,” he said.
He added that the players would do everything possible to secure qualification for the next round.
Polokwane City Chase First Domestic Cup Triumph
Kambala also highlighted the significance of winning the Carling Knockout Cup, which would give Polokwane City an opportunity to claim their first title in the competition.
The midfielder said the squad was prepared for Saturday’s encounter and focused on advancing to the next stage.
“So, we’ll do everything so that we can go to the next stage. Like you said, yes, it will be the first time [to win the cup], and it will be great,” he said.
“What I can say is we are ready for this game; we are ready to go to the next stage.”
Polokwane City will host Siwelele at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, knowing that a victory would secure their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
