Mukondeni Young Chiefs coach Joel Mongalo believes his team will beat rivals Ramahantsha Blackpool this weekend.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Mukondeni Young Chiefs coach Joel Mongalo believes his side has the strength and quality to overcome Ramahantsha Blackpool when the two teams meet in a highly anticipated Venda derby this weekend.
Young Chiefs head into the encounter on the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over then ABC Motsepe League log leaders Vondwe X1 Bullets, bringing an end to Bullets’ three-match winning streak under coach Stanley Bingo Kgatla.
The victory has lifted Mongalo’s charges to the top of the log standings with 12 points from five matches. They have recorded four victories and suffered just one defeat.
Their opponents, Ramahantsha Blackpool, who acquired the status of TTM, occupy seventh position with five points from four matches. Blackpool have managed one victory, two draws and one defeat so far this season.
Only last season’s champions, Mpheni Defenders and Goue Seuns, are yet to taste defeat in the campaign.
Mongalo believes the victory over Bullets demonstrated what his team is capable of, especially after the log leaders had developed a reputation for being difficult to score against.
“We are strong. They said Vondwe X1 Bullets doesn’t concede, but we beat them,” said Mongalo.
The Young Chiefs mentor is now turning his attention to Blackpool and is determined to collect another three points to consolidate his team’s position at the top.
“We can beat any team in both streams of the ABC Motsepe League. We will beat Ramahantsha Blackpool to strengthen our position at the top of the log. We will never lose against them,” he added.
With Young Chiefs enjoying a strong start to the campaign, Saturday’s derby presents Mongalo’s men with another opportunity to underline their title ambitions, while Blackpool will be hoping to upset their neighbours and improve their league standing.