Mbombela United will have to use their home ground advantage against Stellenbosch FC in their National First Division (NFD) tie at KaNyamazane Stadium this afternoon if they want to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
Tingwenyama, as Mbombela are known, are currently languishing in position 11 with 28-points after 23 games.
They are nine points clear of second from bottom – Magesi FC – with seven games to play before the season ends.
Ironically, the local based side is also nine-points within a NFD/Premier Soccer League relegation/play-offs spot, which is position three currently occupied by Stellenbosch that they will lock-horn against.
A win for Aschwin Sutton charges will not only move them away from the dreaded axe but will also enhance their chances of getting a spot in the relegation/promotion play-offs.
They are coming to today’s encounter having played to a goalless draw against another Cape side, Cape Town All Stars in a match, which was held at Parow Park last Friday.
But in Stellenbosch, Mbombela will find a hard nut to crack as the Cape side is looking to cement its spot in the relegation/promotion play-offs.
The Sammy Troughton led side are currently in third spot with 37-points after 23-games. They are approaching today’s encounter at the back of a 2-1 victory over Mpumalanga side, Witbank Spurs.
Since both Mbombela reliable strikers, Sinethemba Mnguni and Bongani “Ronaldo” Ndlovu are out with long term injuries, Sutton will pin his hopes on veteran striker, Clifford Mulenga. The Zambian born striker has to date rattled the net nine times.
In the first round, Mbombela beat Stellenbosch 3-2 in their own backyard at Coetzenburg Stadium.
Today NFD Full fixtures all kicking off at 15:00:
* Mbombela United vs Stellenbosch FC – Kanyamazane Stadium
* Witbank Spurs vs FC Cape Town – Puma Rugby Stadium
* Thanda Royal Zulu FC vs Black Leopards – Umhlathuze Sports Complex (Live on SuperSport 9)
* Santos vs University of Pretoria – Athlone Stadium
* Royal Eagles vs AmaZulu – Harry Gwala Stadium
* Magesi FC vs Jomo Cosmos – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
* Real Kings FC vs Cape Town All Stars – Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium