University of Pretoria captain Ronald Ketjijere says there is no reason to panic after an ignominious start to the season, but admits they are desperate to turn things around to regain their confidence.
AmaTuks have picked up three points out of a possible 12 so far in the Absa Premiership this season and it does not get any easier with a clash against Steve Komphela's Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium next Wednesday.
They just managed to survive relegation last season, finishing five points ahead of relegated AmaZulu and just two ahead of Moroka Swallows, who were relegated via the play-offs.
They are currently second from bottom on the log after defeats to Lamontville Golden Arrows, Chippa United and Bidvest Wits.
"We can't panic now. If we panic now then we are gone," Ketjijere said.
"We know that it's a very bad start to the season. We have to improve and start winning matches otherwise it's going to be a long season again. We have to keep clean sheets to win games."
The Namibian midfielder added that they have struggled because some of the new signings have not settled in yet.
"Some players were signed very late and they are trying to get to know the system and each other," he said.
Ketjijere has also had a tough time in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with his country, who are bottom of Group K with no points after two matches. They lost 2-0 at home to Senegal a fortnight ago and they are unlikely to qualify for the tournament set to take place in Gabon.
"It's tough for us because we have a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks. The coach wants the youngsters to gain experience, so he is probably not looking at qualifying now."
AmaTuks skipper won't panic
University of Pretoria captain Ronald Ketjijere says there is no reason to panic after an ignominious start to the season, but admits they are desperate to turn things around to regain their confidence.
AmaTuks have picked up three points out of a possible 12 so far in the Absa Premiership this season and it does not get any easier with a clash against Steve Komphela's Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium next Wednesday.
They just managed to survive relegation last season, finishing five points ahead of relegated AmaZulu and just two ahead of Moroka Swallows, who were relegated via the play-offs.
They are currently second from bottom on the log after defeats to Lamontville Golden Arrows, Chippa United and Bidvest Wits.
"We can't panic now. If we panic now then we are gone," Ketjijere said.
"We know that it's a very bad start to the season. We have to improve and start winning matches otherwise it's going to be a long season again. We have to keep clean sheets to win games."
The Namibian midfielder added that they have struggled because some of the new signings have not settled in yet.
"Some players were signed very late and they are trying to get to know the system and each other," he said.
Ketjijere has also had a tough time in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with his country, who are bottom of Group K with no points after two matches. They lost 2-0 at home to Senegal a fortnight ago and they are unlikely to qualify for the tournament set to take place in Gabon.
"It's tough for us because we have a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks. The coach wants the youngsters to gain experience, so he is probably not looking at qualifying now."
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