An exciting game is expected this weekend between the province’s pride, Mbombela United, Tingwenyama, against former Mpumalanga team, Sivutsa Stars – now Royal Eagles – at the KaNyamazane Stadium today.
The game is believed to bring back memories of how Mbombela United used to battle against Stars on the field before the team were bought over by millionaire couple Shaun and S’bu Mpisane in 2014.
This game also comes at the right time when both teams have won their latest matches. Last week Mbombela United made the province proud after thrashing Moroka Swallows by 2-0 at Dobsonville Stadium, while the Royal Eagles won by a massive 4-1 against Santos FC. Sikhumbuzo Matsebula, the chairperson of Mbombela United, says indeed this is going to be an exciting game.
“We don’t view Eagles’ ambition and experience as a drawback as we have a useful squad. The game is about competition, not who you have in the team. As Mbombela United, we are going to compete and make a statement on Saturday. We want to give our supporters a win. The game itself will be an on and off tug of war and the field will suffer. We believe our youthful status as a new team in the NFD will work in our favour,” said Matsebula.
“We are happy to host Royal Eagles and the match will bring back old memories of how we used to play with them while they were still Sivutsa Stars. They must work very hard to earn those three points,” he said.
Talking to Royal Eagles general manager, Richard Makhoba about his expectations, he says fans will be treated to an exciting match. “We are in the top three and I can assure you that it’s not going to be easy for our opponents, Mbombela United. Our team have just picked the right form, what matters the most is that our players are happy and excited and the management supports the technical team so they can achieve positive results. We don’t see Mbombela United beating us in any way,” says Makhoba.
Royal Eagles boast of having experienced players including former Kaizer Chiefs striker, Katlego Mpela, former Orlando Pirates midfielder, Khethokwakhe Masuku and the former Ajax Cape Town’s player, Dominic Isaac. “Our players are highly experienced and determined, come Saturday we are sure of getting three points home,”
he added
According to Makhoba, having the background of the province is expected to act in favour of Royal Eagles. “We know what to expect against Mbombela United, we have seen them play two matches and a majority of our boys are knowledgeable on how they play, so it’s going to be an easy game for Mbombela United,” he said.
Fans will receive Eagles tickets free of charge at the stadium’s gates. “Fans are encouraged to come in as early as possible because it’s going to be a first-come, first-served situation. Our fans will also be transported free of charge to and from the stadium.
“Marked buses will pick them from terminals at Pienaar, Lekazi, Ngodini, Zwelisha and Matsulu. They will also receive free vuvuzelas, T-shirts and lunch,” says the team marketing officer, Kedibone Mkhabela.
Mbombela United’s fans can get tickets from as little as R10 from Shisanyama Nambita restaurant, Cosy Turn near KaNyamazane Complex, Power House at Msogwaba and Thembisa store.
“We encourage supporters to buy a membership card from our offices which will be available at the stadium as well. R50 for kids and R100 for adults entitles you to entrance to all our matches and discounted transport for our away matches,” added Sostern Gutsa, Mbombela United’s spokesperson.
For transport arrangements call Mzwandile Nkosi on 071-111-9175. Celebrities such as former Generations actors: Sophie Ndaba,Winnie Ntshaba and Khanyi Mbau are also expected to attend.
