Mthembu looking to prove doubters wrong

Having spent three barren seasons at Amakhosi, where he struggled for game time, the 30-year old has made quite a good impression at the Bethlehem side, making nine appearances and scoring two goals.

His recent goal helped the club beat SuperSport United 1-0 at Goble Park on Wednesday night, putting them in sixth place in the table with 19 points. Ahead of their last game of the year against another of his former side’s Orlando Pirates at home tomorrow, Mthembu is keen that his side end the year on a high.

“Our win against SuperSport was great and it has lifted our spirits high as we face another difficult match against Pirates,” said the striker.

Stars are a very difficult side to beat at home, with their last reverse dating back to September when they lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns. They have since had three draws and two wins in their last five home matches.

Buccaneers coach Micho Sredojevic will be hoping his charges will be able to find the back of the net. Pirates have been playing well and creating chances in their last couple of games, but goals have been a huge problem.

They have only scored 10 goals in their last 14 games, recording four wins, eight draws and two losses.

The Premier Soccer League, meanwhile, announced yesterday that it had finally found Pirates guilty after their fans rioted at the Absa Premiership game against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on February 11.

The PSL said sanctions would only be imposed next year, and that Sundowns would have their case heard in January.