Tshakhuma’s dream can still be achieved
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila coach Sello Chokoe has previously declared that his side can easily challenge for promotion in their first National First Division campaign but the two back-to-back defeats could prove detrimental to his dream.
Sello Chokoe Tshakuma coach (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
What is good however for Chokoe is that his players want promotion as much as he does and have pledged to dust themselves off and get on with the programme.
“There is no excuse for the two defeats but we had a break and I think it affected our rhythm. The coach has been supportive and wants us to forget about those games and focus on upcoming matches,” said midfielder Frank Motebejane.
Tshakuma meet embattled Royal Eagles on Saturday night, and the 20-year-old Motebejane said although they expect a tough match, they want the three points to remain in Thohoyandou.
Highlands Park v Witbank Spurs, Makhulong Stadium, 3.30pm
Coming from an unnecessary draw away to Richards Bay last weekend, Spurs will be looking to get their campaign back on track against the log leaders. This will obviously be a tough match for both as the Lions of the North will be looking to keep their good run going.
University of Pretoria v Richards Bay, Tuks Stadium, 3.30pm
If AmaTuks had easily beat Ubuntu FC as was generally expected two weeks ago, it would be easy to foresee a walk in the park for Shaun Bartlett’s man. But a goalless draw against the struggling Ubuntu will inspire the Rich Boys to believe that they can also eke out a positive result at Tuks Stadium.
Tshakhuma TM v Royal Eagles, Thohoyandou Stadium, 3.30pm
Eagles have been struggling lately but so has been TTM. This is a chance for either side to turn things around. With their back now against the wall, Eagles could prove dangerous to Sello Chokoe’s men.
Super Eagles v Black Leopards, Goble Stadium, 3.30pm
Lidoda Duvha will be looking to supplement their win under a new coach with another one but will find that Eagles also in the same situation. Both had positive starts under new mentors last week.
Sunday
Jomo Cosmos v Mbombela United, Vosloorus Stadium, 3.3pm
This is easily the match of the weekend in the NFD as both are in great form. Tingwenyama will be looking to keep their second position and pile more pressure on the leaders while Ezenkosi would also want to keep within touching distance of the top sides.
Mthatha Bucks v Ubuntu FC, Mthatha Stadium, 3.30pm
If ever there was a chance for Amathol’amnyama to get their campaign back on track, then this match is a big one. Hosting the struggling Ubuntu could be just what Bucks needed. But Ubuntu have proved to be good travellers, earning some decent draws away from home.
Real Kings v Stellenbosch FC, King Zwelithini Stadium, 3.30pm
The Magic Boys will need to start winning consistently if they are serious about fulfilling their promotion ambitions. Simo Dladla’s team have not been doing badly but have given away points in matches they should have won. Stellenbosch have been stalling lately and need to curb their downward trend.
