Mafene urges Baby Wolves to maintain pressure after derby victory

University of Fort Hare coach Simphiwe Mafene has warned his Baby Wolves side against complacency after their 2-0 victory over City Lads moved them into the top four of the Super Rise division.

The result came in their Hollywoodbets Super League derby at the UWC Stadium, giving Baby Wolves 10 points from seven matches and strengthening their position as the league moves into its second half.

Mafene was pleased with the way his players responded, saying changes to the starting line-up and the introduction of fresh legs played an important role in securing the win.

“We needed to win this derby so it could change our position on the log. That had to start with us introducing fresh legs into our starting line-up so we could get an early goal in the first half. I’m very proud of our players’ classic performance,” said Mafene.

The victory represents an important step for Baby Wolves, but Mafene believes the tight nature of the table means his team cannot afford to relax. Although they are now among the leading four sides, he says the narrow gap to Ramatlaohle FC underlines the need for continued hard work.

“The pressure is still on our side. We’re not going to think that since we are in the top four, it’s done. It’s only two points between us and Ramatlaohle FC, which tells us that we need to really work hard,” added Mafene.

Baby Wolves’ next challenge will come against Limpopo side First Touch Ladies on 13 September. Mafene is targeting maximum points from the fixture as his team attempts to improve its prospects of finishing in the top three and competing for the leading position.

First Touch Ladies proved difficult opponents when the sides met in the first round, meaning Mafene expects another demanding contest in what he described as the second leg of a long race.

“First Touch Ladies are a very strong team and we found it difficult to beat them in our first-round game. This is the second leg of the long race and every team has no time to sit back. We need to win this one to elevate our chances of competing for the top position on the log,” he expressed.

The coach’s message is clear: the derby win has improved Baby Wolves’ league position, but it has not settled their ambitions. With only two points separating them from Ramatlaohle FC, every remaining match carries significance as the campaign reaches its crucial stage.