Coach Musa Nkondo is expected to be on the bench for Emmanuel FC in the Giyani derby this weekend.
By: Refilwe Sebola
All eyes will be on what is expected to be a pulsating derby game between second placed Emmanuel FC and eighth placed Giyani Happy Boys at Malamulele stadium this Saturday.
It will be the eighth ABC Motsepe league game of the season for both clubs who desperately need to secure a maximum of three points to salvage their positions in the league log.
The well supported Emmanuel needs the three points to reclaim their top of the table status that is currently occupied by the new look Mpheni Defenders side who are leading with just one point more.
On paper, Emmanuel are favourites to come out winners based on their current form and the overwhelming support they relish in their home games at Malamulele stadium.
Nevertheless , Happy boys who needs the victory to move away from the relegation quagmire will not be a walk in the park even though they have had a series of poor results in the league so far this season. Things got out of hand for the last season stream A runners-up side after losing their top coach Mpho Maleka to NFD side Marumo Gallants.
The Giyani based side famous for their slogan “Swaboha ti valuma” which means “they will surely get bitten” have been beaten themselves in their previous three consecutive games.
They lost 2-1 to rookies Maruleng Celtic, 2-0 to Vondwe X1 Bullets and 3-1 to Winnerspark at home in Xhikukwani Stadium in Giyani. Their coach Timmy Mashele, who was co-coaching with Mpho Maleka last season seems to be struggling to move the club forward without his close colleague.
However, as with most derby games the element of surprise should not be ruled out. In their day the last season stream A runners-up are capable of collecting maximum points against any team in the league.
The game will see the return of charismatic Emmanuel head coach Musa “America” Nkondo who left Vondwe X1 Bullets last week to rejoin the club he promoted to the second division football few years ago. Kick off is at 15h00 and entrance is free.