WeeklySA_AdminDETERMINED: Coach Pogiso Makhoye says they are prepared to fight to their last drop of blood to finish at least second spot in the MFC
By Masoja Cele
In form Orbit College FC remarkable vein of form in the Motsepe Foundation Championship will be tested on Sunday when they face title chasing Casric Stars at Olympia Park, Rustenburg on Sunday. Kick-off 15:30.
Orbit are eager to decrease the breather between them and log leaders Durban City. The ‘’Mswenko Boys’’ trail City with 5 points with 12 matches to complete the season. The match is expected to be a crucial affair for both teams as they are within a touching distance behind log leaders. If the North West side embrace the dream of closely tracking the KZN team they need to constantly perform above the weight. Perennial leaders City (formerly Maritzburg United) are on 37 points while Orbit are on 32 points.
After their past 7 matches the North West contenders has accumulated 11 points from a possible 21.This impressive run has propelled them to either challenge for outright promotion to the Betway Premiership or set themselves for the promotional play-offs. But, the feat wouldn’t come on a silver platter. It requires resilient, discipline and devotion from the players and the technical team. Following their promotion to the championship the ‘’Mswenko Boys’’ has never disappointed with their performance. As debutants they finished the season in a respectable 8th positon on the log.
Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror, this is what Orbit head coach Pogiso Makhoye had to say. ‘’We are bracing for a tough scuffle against Casric Stars. It’s disappointing the fact that we have never beaten Casric in our last three encounters. But, we hope to turn the corner on Sunday’’. ‘’This is a tough league, however we are prepared to fight and finish second, who knows we might even strike the jackpot. We must just continue to work as a collective and support one another’’ said Makhoye.
The ‘’Mswenko Boys’’ leading marksman Siyabulela Mabele will be expected to continue with his blistering form. Mabele will be ably supported by football journeyman Tshwarelo Bareng, and Katlego Cwinyane to bridge the Casric defence.
Casric heads into this bruising battle following a 2-1 win morale confidence booster at Milford FC. The Mpumalanga outfit are also in a tussle for promotion to the elite league. Casric have certainly picked themselves back up and are now on top of their game. ‘’The Believers’’, as Casric are known in football circles are currently perched fifth on the log with 28 points, 9 points behind leaders Durban City.
During January ‘’The Believers’’ signed former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates forward Kermit Erasmus to strengthen the side. Erasmus contract was not renewed at Pirates for 2024/25 season. Without a doubt the Gqeberha born star brings a load of experience in the team. Erasmus has also played for numerous teams in Europe. Casric owner/coach Bucs Mthombeni will entrust the former Pirates forward to frustrate Orbit defence with his intense runs. Other Casric contingent who will be partnering Erasmus include the likes of frontman Decide Akana, midfield pair of Lesego Sebetlela and Thabang Semache. The match promises to be a battle of two bulls in one kraal.
In another Motsepe Foundation Championship match on Sunday Upington City will host basement perched Leruma United at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Upington. Kick-off 15:30.
