Cosmos sweat over Mkhize ahead of Stars clash

Mkhize – who scored six goals and created several more – missed the first match of their play-off campaign, a 2-2 draw against Black Leopards at the weekend and were hoping to have the skilful winger available tonight.

It was unclear late on Tuesday if Mkhize had made the trip to North West. Jomo Sono’s side will already be without hard-tackling midfield general Mduduzi Sibeko, who will serve a one-match ban after receiving his fourth yellow card last Sunday.

Cosmos captain Thato Lingwati has meanwhile bemoaned their lack of confidence against Leopards which he claims cost them a potential three points.

They were dominated by Lidoda Duvha for most of the match but scored a late equaliser.

“We were too naive in our approach and gave Leopards too much respect. Knowing how dangerous they were we gave too much away in the middle of the park and allowed them to come at us,” said Lingwati, who scored the equaliser with a header.

He urged his team-mates to be bolder at Moruleng tonight and take the match to Dikwena who have their backs against the wall having lost their first play-off match a week ago.

“If we are serious about winning the play-offs we need to up our game and play like the real Cosmos,” Lingwati said.

Dikwena captain Vuyo Mere also reminded his side that this is their golden opportunity and they should not misuse it. Defeat could mean the end of the road for Roger de Sa’s team.

Leopards are top of the three-team mini-league with four points after two matches. Ezenkosi have one and Dikwena are yet to get off the mark.

Kick-off: 7.30pm.