WeeklySA_AdminMFC: City will need to pull all stops to thwart United
By Masoja Cele
After a heavy 3-1 defeat last Saturday at the hands of Durban City, Upington City will be aiming for redemption against the visiting Kruger United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Sunday at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Upington. King-off 15:30.
The Northern Cape side form has collapsed in recent weeks. They have registered a single draw in their three previous matches. The point gained was against Black Leopards in Thohoyandou followed by a 1-0 loss to log leaders Milford FC in KZN. Then came the prickly 3-1 home defeat against Durban City. This setback has dented the Northern Cape side aspiration to stay with the chasing pack within the top four. They now occupy ninth in the standings on sixteen points after twelve rounds. Considering all these obstacles, City will have to bring an improved performance against the visitors.
Since the departure of their talisman Keletso Makgalwa to Sekhukhune United early in the season, City has been lean upfront. The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder was the Northern Cape leading goal scorer last season in all competition. 20 year old striker William Nel has taken over from Makgalwa. Nel has since scored four goals despite coming from a long lay-off injury. Nel will be ably supported by the former Mo0roka Swallows midfielder Given Khuphe who has the knack of scoring when opportunities avails in the opposition half.
Bafana BaGucci woes were further aggravated on Tuesday when they were flushed out in the preliminary round of the Nedbank Cup at home. City lost 2-0 to Milford FC. Meanwhile, Kruger United progress to the next round of the tourney with a 1-0 win at Orbit College.
Kruger United approached this match with their sights firmly on clinching the three points. The newbies has surprised all and sundry with their relentless competence in their debut season in the championship. The Village Boys last three matches showed a decent sets of results. They beat season campaigners University of Pretoria 2-0, a goalless draw at Black Leopards and a 1 all draw against Orbit College. Currently languishing tenth on the log with sixteen points a perfect record for new comers. The Mpumalanga based side are proving to be fearless whether playing at home or away.
The Bushbuckridge ensemble boast solid team that is blended with youth and experience. Early in the season they enlisted the services of two well travel football legends namely George ‘’Mido’’Maluleka from AmaZulu and Lehlohonolo ‘’Ntsimbi’’ Nonyane from Baroka FC. Maluleka has been a vital cog of the team, with his experience rubbing off to the youth. It doesn’t seem like the veteran midfielder will call it quits any time soon. He still has legs to carry him for few more years. Meanwhile, Nonyane’s quality defending has strengthen the ‘’The Looters’’ last line of defence. The added impetus of coach Abraham Mongoya has turned the team into a formidable force in the championship.
Mongoya will also add the likes of attacking midfielder Tshepho Mamabolo and target man Inky Masuku support Maluleka in the middle of the Park, while Nonyane will be partnered with gangly centre back Thulani Ndlela.
