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All Stars aim for automatic promotion

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Stanley Muishond of Vasco da Gama and Thato Sithole of Jomo Cosmos during their National First Division drawn match at Parow Park on Saturday Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Stanley Muishond of Vasco da Gama and Thato Sithole of Jomo Cosmos during their National First Division drawn match at Parow Park on Saturday Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

They have been going about their business silently for months in the National First Division (NFD), but Cape Town All Stars have now made their intentions loud and clear - automatic promotion is what they are going for.

All Stars came from two goals down against Cape rivals Milano United to win 3-2 on Sunday, moving into fourth place after Houston Hills struck the winner in stoppage time.

Two of their four remaining matches will be against title favourites Lamontville Golden Arrows and Jomo Cosmos, so All Stars have a chance to snatch points from the pacesetters.

All Stars coach Boebie Solomons praised his players for the come-back victory, which moved them to within five points of leaders, Arrows.

"I have been talking to my players about making a mark for themselves. I am sure they do not want to stay in the First Division forever, and that's what I talk to them about," Solomons said.

 

"Mathematically, it's possible to win automatic promotion. And the game on Sunday showed me that we have the character to do it."

Abafana Bes'thende were ruthless in their clash against Maluti FET College on Saturday, winning 5-2 and sealing the fate of their Free State opponents, who have been relegated with four matches still to play. Ezenkosi, on the other hand, were denied a vital three points by Vasco da Gama, who secured a 1-1 draw - thanks to an own goal by Cosmos's Thabo Rabelakeng. Ezenkosi are three points behind Arrows. Black Leopards lost 1-0 to Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium after their 2-2 draw with All Stars last Wednesday. Fifth-placed Lidoda Duvha are still hopeful of reaching the play-offs.

NFD weekend's results

Saturday: Highlands 1, Leopards 0; Royal Eagles 0, African Warriors 0; Vasco 1, Cosmos 1; Maluti 2, Arrows 5; Santos 1 Witbank Spurs 2

Sunday: Baroka 1, GaRankuwa United 2; All Stars 3, Milano 2

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