Celtic eye Nedbank Cup quarters
Last season, Tingwenyama, as Mbombela are known, were controversial knocked-out by Mamelodi Sundowns in the same stage.
Bloemfontein Celtic are back at home as they host Mbombela United in the Nedbank Cup last 16 clash aiming to reach the next stage at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 15:00
Siwelele are yet to see their new coach Luc Eymael manning the technical bench, as he has had off-the-field issues with his former employers Polokwane City.
However, the Belgian has been a huge influence in the camp as they have managed to change how they play their football.
Having defeated Rise and Shine 1-0 in the league and drawing 0-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns away in their weekend and midweek Absa Premiership matches, they are motivated for the Ke Yona clash.
Under Lehlohonolo Seema’s guidance, Celtic have also eased their relegation woes as they sit at number 11 on the log table – that could also push them to down the National First Division side.
Apart from getting four points over the Brazilians and City, Phunya Sele Sele defeated Buya Msuthu 2-0 in their Nedbank Cup last 32 encounter.
“Yeah, look, we don’t know much about Mbombela, but the the fact they are in the cup at this stage means they are good,” said skipper Patrick Tignyemb.
“We have to prepare normally for this game because we do not take them for granted. We have not done well in the cup games in recent times.
“We need to change that and ensure we reach the final since we only did that in 2012, winning the Telkom Knockout Cup.
“We must fight harder on Sunday, this is a big game, luckily this comes at home after a good game against Sundowns.”
Looking at the Mbombela camp, the NFD outfit will also hope to reach the next stage as they started their cup competition on a high.
They beat Days FC 5-2 in the previous round and to meet a top tier side comes as a huge motivator and any shock is on the cards.
However, heading to Bloemfontein will not make their path into the quarterfinals easy as Siwelele will want to also respect their fallen hero Dr Petrus Molemela, who recently passed away.
Just last weekend, they drew 1-1 against Mthatha Bucks in their NFD league campaign and coach Ashwin Sutton will have to motivate his charges.
“Look, it means we are motivated to face a big side as we are from a lower division,” said midfielder Clifford Mulenga.
“We know it won’t be easy in Bloemfontein and the fact that they are playing in front of their home crowds means it will be exciting.
“I know how to play in front of their crowds, we will have to work hard and ensure we can emulate Jomo Cosmos, who beat Bidvest Wits.
“I think if we work hard, do the right things on the field and remain disciplined, we can cause an upset on Sunday.” Article courtesy of the Premier Soccer League website.
