After a long Christmas break and a grueling first round, the National First Division outfits, Sivutsa Stars will be in action this Saturday against Limpopo side, Baroka FC.

The two meet at the KaBokweni Stadium at 15:30.

Having met earlier in the season and played to a goalless draw, these two sides have everything to play for and every reason to collect maximum points as they are both eyeing a decent finish at the end of the season, which will book them a spot in the play-offs.

Stars, who are currently sited in ninth spot, need to make every home game count if they are to better their chances of competing in the country’s elite league, the PSL, and there is no better start than this weekend.

“We are aware that there is not enough time left and the entire team knows we have to regard every game as a cup final.

We are going to start this weekend against Baroka FC. We will show them no mercy and this is how we are going to approach all our remaining league encounters,” said Stars’ PRO Charles Nkosi.

He said their elimination in the country’s most lucrative tourney, the Nedbank Cup, has somehow come as a blessing in disguise because the team’s only focus is to make it to the play-offs.

“The Nedbank Cup is the only cup competition in this division, and since we are not competing, we have channelled all our efforts to the league and we want to have something to smile about at the end of the season,” he said.

Stars played to an one-all draw against African Warrios in their last league encounter on December 21, while Baroka FC were also held to a two all draw by Thanda Royal Zulu, which will make this weekend’s clash even more interesting to watch.

Baroka is currently occupying the sixth spot on the table and will be looking to climb the ladder even further.

A victory for Stars will see them temporarily climb the ladder to sixth place.