Sivutsa Stars will hope to maintain their unbeaten run when they host the struggling former Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfits, Jomo Cosmos at the KaBokweni Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 15:30.
Coming from a win and three draws in their past four games, Stars will use this league encounter against the inconsistent Cosmos, as a practice match ahead of their crucial Nedbank Cup qualifier against Witbank Spurs next Wednesday.
Stars PRO Charles Nkosi says they will not take this game lightly as they are in the business of collecting points.
“There is no way that we are going to relax just because we have a midweek cup encounter. We are going to throw everything at them, field all our regular players because we are fighting for promotion to the PSL,” he says.
Currently in 10th place, Stars know that they can’t afford to drop points especially when they have home advantage.
With regard to their midweek clash against the eMalahleni-based side, Spurs, Nkosi says they will start planning for that match after their weekend encounter.
“As a team, we plan for each game, and now our focus is the three points at stake against Cosmos. It’s only after this that we will start worrying about the next match.
“But all in all, I think the boys have been waiting for an opportunity such as this. I am certain they are going to give it their all to qualify for the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup,” continues Nkosi.
Meanwhile, another home team, Mbombela United are on the brink of qualifying for the last 32 after an impressive run over the weekend. This Vodacom-league team, are now a game away and if they win it they are through and will join the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and eight of the NFD squads.