Share

Defoe confident of Sunderland survival

Cape Town - Jermain Defoe is adamant Sunderland have a squad capable of avoiding the drop despite their late slip up in their 1-1 draw against Southampton this weekend.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker struck in 85th minute after being sent on by Sam Allardyce in the second half, but the Black Cats dropped two points when they conceded deep into stoppage time, with Virgil van Dijk scoring the equaliser for the Saints.

"I think we'll be fine. I believe from now until the end of the season we will win a few games, because of the way we're playing, and the players we've got," the veteran forward said after the game.

"The new signings - Wahbi Khazri, Lamine Kone, all of them, and even the lads that came in during the summer like Younes Kaboul - have lifted us. Emmanuel Eboue looks like he's going to sign too, so it's a top squad on paper.

"But there's no point just saying we've got good players, you have to go out and perform. The rewards are so big that the lads should enjoy that pressure, if they can, and make sure we kick on and try and win games," he added.

"I think we just need to continue doing what we're doing. And it's important we stay positive, which we will do.

"We just have to make sure that, when that whistle goes on the last game of the season, we're looking forward to coming back to play in the Premier League."

With nine games remaining until the end of the campaign Sunderland are currently in 17th place, one point above the relegation zone with 35 points.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Glasgow Warriors 14
Sharks 5
loading... Live
North West 131/4
Warriors RSA 145/7
loading... Live
Titans RSA 105/4
Lions 154/8
loading... Live
Western Province 173/4
Boland 110/10
loading... Live
Ulster 6
Cardiff Rugby 7
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE