Mpheni Home Defenders are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for their Nedbank Cup Round-32 match against Clarewood JPM FC that will be played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The head coach of Home Defenders, Mr Sydwell Phuravhathu, has reason to believe that they will use Clarewood as their stepping stone to the next round of the prestigious competition. He said that although they were campaigning in the same division as Clarewood, they would take nothing for granted and would try and use their home-ground advantage. Clarewood are campaigning in the Western Cape Stream of the ABC Motsepe League.
Mr Phuravhathu said that team members were training twice a day and they worked hard on their fitness. Should the game go into the 30 minutes extra time, they will be prepared.
The spirits are high in the Home Defenders' camp. They beat the stubborn Vondwe XI Bullets 1-0 at the Louis Trichardt High School Grounds last Saturday.
Home Defenders have assembled their best players for Saturday's match. Their number one goalkeeper, Ludick Mkhatswa, is one of the best goalies in the league. The team's playmakers, Gift Nemutandani, Freedom Nyundu and Adivhaho Madzivha, will be expected to keep the fire burning in the middle of the park.
In another Nedbank Cup clash, Venda Football Academy will play against BlackCross FC at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The other Round-32 fixtures are: Cape Town Spurs vs Baroka FC, Maritzburg United vs Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows vs Pretoria Callies, Stellenbosch FC vs Swallows FC, Cape Town All Stars vs Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy vs Amavarara FC, Amazulu vs Tornado FC, Mkhambathi FC vs Casric Stars, Cape Town City vs Royal AM and Polokwane City vs Chippa United.