Kruger United set their sights higher than Premiership survival

The Village Boys endured a difficult start following promotion, suffering a baptism of fire with a 3-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium as the realities of top-flight football quickly set in.

However, Mongoya has since guided his side to two victories in eight matches, moving them into a relatively comfortable position – for now.  

The coach is setting his sights higher, believing Kruger can achieve more than simply surviving their first season in the elite division.

"I told the boys that they should not worry about the pressure from the outside because that is my responsibility, but they must be able to handle the pressure we put on ourselves internally because we have big ambitions this season and that is to be in the top eight."

READ: AmaZulu can challenge for the title says Arthur Zwane

Mongoya is confident once Kruger start winning home matches then their chances will improve drastically.

The coach’s overall assessment so far suggests he is satisfied with how The Village Boys are slowly adapting to life the elite division. 

Mongoya added that he will reflect only closer to the halfway mark, which is just before game week 15. 

"We struggled to cover the distances at the beginning of the season, but we are managing to do that very well now, and I think we are slowly moving in the right direction but around the halfway mark of the season you will see something different because by that time there will be more momentum."