Cape Town - Platinum Stars defender Siphiwe Mnguni says that his Dikwena team-mates have to take a leaf out of their courageous captain Vuyo Mere’s book.
Mere lost his father on Tuesday but still went on to play in a goalless draw against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night with Mnguni being in awe of his captain’s selflessness.
"I know it’s a difficult time for Vuyo and his family. For him to come play while mourning and his family needing him, it shows great sacrifice,” said Mnguni about Mere who will miss Sunday’s clash against Baroka FC.
"If we can do the same thing for the team, sacrifice and work hard like he does, then we can go somewhere as players.
"For me it shows leadership qualities. Some of us should take something from him, learn so that we can go forward. He played his heart out."
Mnguni says Dikwena have to fight tooth and nail to make sure that they amass maximum points against Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
"We want to win too much and sometimes the nerves get in the way. You want to push and sometimes the pressure comes in and you make mistakes,” said the former skipper of Dikwena MDC side.
"We need to calm down. We have to up our game. We need to be composed and finish. We played well against Celtic but we have to be calm. We should work hard enough to get the points. We need to handle pressure. We shouldn’t be putting one another under pressure
Mnguni believes a win is possible against Baroka, who are currently top of the Absa Premiership log.
"Baroka are number one. They will feel like there’s no pressure so it’s our chance to make the most of it,” said Mnguni.
"We have to step it up, get the points and climb up the log. We still have a chance. If we are 15th on the log, the next game we win we will be number 11."
Kickoff is at 15:30.