WeeklySA_AdminTrying times: JDR Stars poses a serious threat to beleaguered Limpopo side
By Masoja Cele
Desperate Black Leopards will host title chasing JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The intriguing battle will take place on Sunday at Thohoyandou Stadium, Thohoyandou at 15:00.
Recently, Leopards parted ways with their Ghanaian coach Maxwell Konadu after undergoing unpleasant results. Konadu had just won one match from a total of 8. Lidoda Duhva are now under the guidance of former Moroka Swallows mentor Zeca Marques.
The Portuguese native was at the coach at Leopards back in the 2014/5 season. Marques has signed a three month contract that would see him at the club till the end of the current season.
Under Marques stewardship the Limpopo side has won one (3-0) against Cape Town Spurs and a 2-1 win loss to Pretoria Callies. They are uncomfortable languishing 10th on the log with 26 points with 11 rounds to complete the season. Most definitely, Marques will want to improve the situation and finish the season in a respectable position. Whether, he still dream of challenging for top spot or qualify for the promotion mini tourney, the responsibility is on him to fulfil his aspiration. There are still many matches before the Fat Lady could sing.
Namibian forward Bethuel Muzeu and Zambian goal-getter Mwape Musonda could be lethal when not tightly marked by the opposition. Between them they have score 10 goals, with Muzeu leading Leopards scoring chart with 6 goals. In the engine room Lidoda Duhva boast the experience midfield anchor Lucky Baloyi.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs midfield workhorse is defying his age with his inspiring performances in every outing. At 33, Baloyi still cover the length of the field like he has an extra lung. Next to Baloyi will be Tsepho Matsimbi who can defend and attack with the same tempo for the duration of the game.
JDR Stars will approach the battle on the frustrating back to back draw (0-0) against Highbury FC and the struggling Cape Town Spurs respectively. Besides the hindrance has tremendously improved this season showing hunger and determination to win all their matches. The Hammer Boyz are placed third on the log with 32 points, trail log leaders Durban City with 5 points. They are considered a potential title contender.
Though, nothing is impossible in football but Durban City, Orbit College, JDR Stars and Casric Stars are all serious contenders for the league title or promotional play-offs.
Nonetheless, with 11 matches to complete the season, other teams like Milford FC, Baroka FC and Kruger United all pose a threat to the quartet. Without a shadow of a doubt, these measurements will pile more pressure on The Hammer Boyz to claim a victory on Sunday.
The Tshwane ensemble will rely on their top marksman Prince Nxumalo and Banele Hlophe to win at Leopards. Nxumalo is JDR leading goal goal-scorer with 6 goals, while Hlophe has 4 goals. Another goal grabber Ishmael Wadi has the potential to score goals in obdurate situations.
The Hammer Boyz midfield pair of Kgomotso Monama and the creative Matome Mmolai are expected to supply their strike force with pin-point deliveries. This is a do or die battle for JDR to stay aloft in the race for the championship race.
