Mukondeni Young Chiefs coach Joel Mongalo.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Mukondeni Young Chiefs coach Joel Mongalo has backed his side to hand Vondwe X1 Bullets their first defeat of the season when the two teams clash in an ABC Motsepe League top-of-the-table showdown in Venda on Saturday at 13h00.
Both sides have collected nine points from their opening matches, with Mukondeni sitting at the top of the standings on goal difference. However, Vondwe have a game in hand and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Mongalo heads into the encounter in confident mood after watching his side cruise to a 4-1 victory over struggling Badhuza Celtics last weekend.
The coach believes his team’s attacking form gives them the edge, insisting that Vondwe have yet to face an opponent capable of testing them.
“We are the only team in both streams to win by four goals since the new season opened. We will beat Vondwe,” Mongalo said.
“They have played against weak teams so far, and that is why they are unbeaten. But this weekend they will lose to us.”
However, Mukondeni will face a stern test against a Vondwe side led by experienced coach Stanley Bingo Kgatla.
Kgatla brings considerable experience to the dugout, having previously been involved with PSL clubs Highlands Park and Winners Park, among others.
With both teams level on nine points, Saturday’s clash presents an opportunity for Mukondeni to strengthen their position at the summit, while Vondwe will be eager to prove Mongalo wrong and keep their unbeaten run intact.