NFD Preview: Maccabi looking for another win

Mokete Tsotetsi’s side are currently ninth of the National First Division standings with 21 points after 16 matches and got the right confidence boost in their first match of the New Year last weekend. Their midfielder Sandile Khwela told Phakaaathi on Monday that he believes they can still challenge for at least a play-offs position despite this being their maiden season.

“We can do it. We have the quality for it. We just have to believe it and take it forward,” he said. And playing Siyavutha who have not lived up to their nickname at all this season could be a chance for Maccabi to move further up the log.

But they will have to be wary of a backlash as Spurs have a new coach in Shakes Mashaba. The veteran former Bafana Bafana coach is known for his motivational ability and could inspire Siyavutha to their first win in four games. Siyavutha are currently bottom of the standings.

Other fixtures

Ubuntu CT v TS Galaxy, at Boland Stadium, 3.30pm

The Rockets have a good chance of rocking up their fourth straight win when they visit struggling Ubuntu Cape Town. Despite inspiring some confidence in the team since his arrival, Vladislav Heric has not been able to find a winning combination as yet and with Dan Malesela now on a winning streak, this should be a slammer.

Real Kings v Tshakhuma, at Sugar Ray Stadium, 3.30pm

Tshakhuma are likely to unleash their new Phumelele Bhengu when they meet the Magic Boys this afternoon. Both have been inconsistent in the past few games with Kings winning just one in their last five – with two defeats and two draws. Tshakhuma have reportedly given their coach Sello Chokoe an ultimatum following a poor run of two defeats and three wins in their past five matches which saw them drop to nine points behind the leaders.

Royal Eagles v TS Sporting, at Chatsworth Stadium, 3.30pm

This is a top of the table clash and comes at a time when Eagles look to have found their rhythm while Sporting have fumbled in their past few games. After a beautiful start, Abantu Bemthetho have dropped to eighth and 12 points behind the leaders following a run of five defeats.

Eagles had won three in a row before last weekend’s defeat at Stellenbosch but they will be looking for a turn-around in their own back yard.

Sunday

Uthongathi v University Of Pretoria, at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, 3.30pm

The Cane Cutters got their groove back with a surprise 2-1 win away at Tshakhuma last weekend and will be looking to build on the results which they had to fight hard for. But AmaTuks have also proved to be an unpredictable side with a good away record.

Mbombela United vs Cape Umoya, at KaNyamazane Stadium, 3.30pm

On paper, this should be an easy win at home for Tingwenyama. But as the past has shown, football doesn’t work that way and the Spirited Ones could just spring a surprise and steal the points. They have been doing well since Dominic Isaacs took over.

NB: Two matches were played on Friday

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