Baroka FC expected to do well at home

Baroka FC is expected to fight for maximum points when the Limpopo team welcomes Cape Town City FC in an Absa Premiership fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday 3 August.

The Bakgaga ba Mphahlele – as Baroka FC is affectionately known – finished almost at the bottom end of the table last season, while Cape Town City FC was among the top teams.

The home province continues to be abuzz ahead of the mouth-watering derby between hosts Thohoyandou Black Leopards FC and Polokwane City FC on Sunday 4 August.

Polokwane City FC ended among the top five teams on the Absa Premiership standings, while Thohoyandou Black Leopards somewhat struggled at mid-table.

A particularly interesting fixture is the away match for rookies Stellenbosch FC, who visits Chippa United FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.

The Western Cape side was the runaway winner of the National First Division title last season.

Another across-town derby is scheduled between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Supersport United FC, at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC head coach, Pitso Mosimane, is reportedly not happy with his relationship with management.

It remains to be seen if his state of mind can have an adverse effect on preparations for the Pretoria derby.

Orlando Pirates FC will have its tail up when the winners of the Carling Black Label Cup pre-season derby against fierce rivals, Kaizer Chiefs FC, welcomes Bloemfontein Celtic FC.

Kaizer Chiefs FC have an away date with Highlands Park FC at Ekurhuleni’s Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.

Lamontville Golden Arrows FC welcomes KwaZulu-Natal homeboys, Maritzburg United FC, in a provincial derby on Sunday.

The last of the fixtures is a match-up between hosts Amazulu FC and Bidvest Wits FC.

— The BEAT