Stars on the mend

Johannesburg - Reflecting on Platinum Stars' first half of the season, midfielder Tintswalo Tshabalala says they are a far better team than the Premiership log table suggests.

READ: Dikwene extend Ng'ambi's stay.

"We know what we are capable of and we shouldn't be where we are on the table but I'm sure we will make the climb up," Tshabalala said on Tuesday.

The Rustenburg side were in unfamiliar territory in 15th position on the log before the mid-season break. They had a below par start, registering only four wins, losing seven and drawing five matches.

Dikwena's most successful season came in 2013 when they won the MTN8 competition and the Telkom Knockout, as well as finishing runners-up in the league. Last year, reached the final of the Telkom Knockout, losing out to SuperSport United and slipped to eighth in the league.

Tshabalala said the volume of games played during the last year had stretched the team’s fitness to the limits.

"In the last 12 months, we played a high number of matches and it had taken its toll on the players.

"Fatigue became a factor and mentally it was tough because we know how long the league marathon is."

The versatile utility midfielder said the mid-season break went a long way towards refreshing the players.

"The break helped us a lot. We were able to recuperate for the second leg of the season. We are all excited about getting back into action.

"Our preparations have been going well since we came back from the break. We returned last week and we're all looking forward to the resumption of the league."

He said the team was determined to bounce back when the league starts again in February.

"You wouldn't say that we are at such a low position on the table. The morale is high and the players are eager to do well this time around.

"The plan is to push hard and concentrate on making the climb up the table. For us it's a new season in a way and it's like we are starting from scratch to do things the right way."

Tshabalala said the team had recently held a players-only meeting where they tackled some of their woes.

"We had a round table discussion and addressed some of our weaknesses from the first half of the season. We agreed it's in our hands and that we need to work hard together as a unit."

The 32-year-old said their objectives for the second half of the season was to make a good run in the Nedbank Cup and finish in the top eight of the Premiership.

"I believe we can make top eight because we are not that far away in points, and I think if we put our minds to it, we can reach the Nedbank Cup final."

Stars return to Premiership action against Mpumalanga Black Aces on February 11.