Realising that their dreams of becoming professionals are not far-fetched is one element that has given the SuperSport youngsters fortitude in the DStv Diski Challenge.
This is according to coach Thabo September who revealed that almost half of the team usually gets a chance to be assessed by first-team coach Gavin Hunt when the senior team play friendly matches.
Last season Matsatsantsa A Pitori had a sterling campaign which saw them set a record of 10 consecutive victories to finish second on the log behind eventual winners Stellenbosch FC.
Their impressive run saw a couple of players, including Neo Rapoo, Thalente Mbatha, and Thapelo Maseko, being promoted to the first team.
Nevertheless, losing those key players seems to have not negatively impacted the team of youngsters.
So far this season, they are one of the most consistent teams, showing growth in every match.
September credited having a thin squad and the impact of rubbing shoulders with first-team players for their impressive run.
The former SuperSport player explained: “They [players] are realising the opportunity of taking their career into the next step. It is in their hands. For us, our job is to guide them.
“They have taken the seriousness into the heart, and rubbing shoulders with first-team players made them believe it is possible and work more hard.
“Also, we do not have a big team everyone that get opportunity make sure they grab it with both hands. We have only 20 players from our DDC team.”
September also applauded the teamwork that his young squad has shown.
“Last season they came so close from winning the league in the last stages and now they must improve from that. And it they are aware that it will take a lot to drive to not be second again, they have that mindset of wanting to finish top. They have been putting the team first before the individual work.”
After 17 games, SuperSport are third in the log with 34 points. They are two points behind second-placed Orlando Pirates and three adrift log leaders Cape Town City FC.
In this weekend’s festival, the Pretoria-based sides face a tough test against unpredictable TS Galaxy in the first match of the festival at Wits Stadium on Saturday.
The kick-off is at 9h30 (CAT).
September admitted it would be tough but vowed to fight tooth and nail to get maximum points.