Derby fever will hit Benoni on May 7 when Old Bens take on Benoni Northerns in round eight of the Easterns Local Football Association Super League at Currin Park.
Whenever these two titans of football in Benoni clash, it’s usually the grass that suffers.
Going into the fixture, Northerns hold the bragging rights as they beat Bens 3-1 at Currin Park and 2-1 at home last season.
However, based on current form Old Bens hold the momentum as they are league log leaders with 15 points from seven games. They have won five games and lost two, scoring 16 goals while conceding nine.
Bens go into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 win against Robertsham this past weekend. First team coach Mike Lee stated that his team is ready for the game.
“Our boys played well. We are always excited about the derby. It’s going to be a spectacle for the fans and people of Benoni.”
Lee has warned his charges that form plays no part in derbies. He urged them to stick to the task at hand.
“We want to win. We will push for the victory. The boys are pumped up and excited. But emotions can get the better of everyone who plays in it and around it. It’s just about keeping them level-headed and sticking to the task at hand.”
Since their 5-0 drubbing of Brakpan Spurs on March 19, Northerns have endured a torrid run in the league. They have lost three successive games and are ninth on the log with seven points from six games.
Also Read: Derby win for Northerns on home ground
Despite their form, Northerns manager Enrique Juanas-Uriol told the paper that they have enough depth to cause an upset on Saturday.
“We are confident but under no illusions. This will be a competitive and tough challenge. Log standings count for nothing in a derby. The fact that we are playing away from home makes it more difficult.
“In terms of current form, they have the upper hand no doubt, league standings confirm. But we have quality players that will come to the party on Saturday and as a team, we are confident we can get the win.”
Juanas-Uriol added that momentum often has no effect when playing for bragging rights.
“These games are won by the smallest margins, the team that fights the hardest on the day and wants it most. Form counts for little and some luck also plays in it. Training is going well. We will be working on our tactical play this week in preparation for the match.”
The match starts at 15:30.
The Old Bens reserves and Northerns reserves will kick things off at 13:45.
