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Barker wary after Usuthu triumph

OVER HURDLE: AmaTuks coach Steve Barker
OVER HURDLE: AmaTuks coach Steve Barker

You would have thought AmaZulu's rout of SuperSport United in their 5-2 victory on Sunday was enough for Steve Barker to stick it to the prophets of doom.

But instead, the Usuthu coach, though still confident of survival, reminded his triumphant players that one game was not enough.

AmaZulu were ruthless in winning only their second match since Barker took over in November to help them avoid relegation, and with Platinum Stars, who are second from bottom of the Absa Premiership table, going down to Bloemfontein Celtic on the same day, the win was made even sweeter.

AmaZulu occupy the last spot on the log and have just 10 remaining games to save their Premier League status.

"The performances haven't been poor, so the win was testimony to the commitment and belief that the players have put in. But obviously one game is not sufficient. However, let's hope this will give us the confidence that has been lacking," Barker said.

Strangely, the rare victory coincided with the fact that AmaZulu had taken the decision to "indefinitely" suspend captain Carlington Nyadombo last week. He was reported to have been attacked by fans who blamed him for the club's poor run.

The official line from the club is that Nyadombo will face disciplinary action for missing a flight to a league match last week. Barker has replaced him with former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates defender Robyn Johannes.

The coach said beating Matsatsantsa might have been a sign of everything falling into place following tireless work behind the scenes to improve a team that still looks a likely bet for automatic relegation.

"We are in a situation where we sort of have to gamble a bit and take chances. We were nice and solid for a change even though we gave a sloppy goal away. We need to get clean sheet," said Barker.

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