University of Cape Town aiming for positive result against Ezemvelo

UCT come into this clash in hopes of retaining their spot in the top eight, with only a point separating them from ninth-placed Ezemvelo on the log.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Parker says playing the KZN side always feels like a familiar foe, having faced them a few times in the topflight play-offs.

"We're really excited for the clash against Ezemvelo, it seems nothing can separate us, since 2024 – we played them a couple of times in the play-offs last year, and now we're in similar positions on the log," said Parker.

"We drew our game out in KZN, so from our side we're looking forward to the clash – it's going to be very evenly balanced and it's going to be down to the team who can hold their nerve, settle early and go from there.

"It could go either way, but we're hoping that home ground advantage will work in our favour this time, and yeah, we're looking forward to the clash."

With 13 matches left for UCT this season, Parker believes the team has pushed well to already find themselves in the top eight as newcomers, but reiterates that the aim is to retain their league status this season.

"I'm not too fussed about where we are on the log. As I said from the very beginning, our objective for the season is not get relegated, and our aim is to get to 30 points for the season," he emphasised.

"We've got eight points to go, we've got 13 games left, so our objective for the season is very much within reach, and I think our focus remains on getting to that mark first.

"Thereafter we can look at what happens next, so not too focussed on the position on the log, but rather in terms of our season focus."

READ: Rising teenage star Adrielle Mibe settles in the USA