Venda Football Club (VFC) believe they can beat Kruger United and boost their promotion hopes when the teams meet in their Motsepe Foundation Championship match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
A quick look at VFC's recent form shows that beating Maunavhathu will not be an easy task for United. VFC have maintained a clean record in their past five matches. They are ninth on the log with 17 points, seven behind the pace-setters, Milford FC. Their most recent match was last Friday, when they beat Black Leopards 1-0 at Thohoyandou Stadium.
VFC head coach Clinton Larsen is adamant that Maunavhathu will take all the points on Saturday. He said the spirit was high in the camp after the win over Black Leopards. He believes he has found a winning combination, and his target now is to win all their home fixtures and secure at least a draw away from home.
Kruger United coach Abraham Mongoya said his team were not in third place by default. He warned that VFC would be in for "a lifetime surprise" if they underestimate United.
If they manage to beat Kruger on Saturday, VFC could move up to fourth on the log. Containing Maunavhathu's strikers Deolin Mekoa, Matimu Tshabalala and Tshepo Mofokeng will be no easy task for the Kruger defenders.
Also on Saturday, Black Leopards will be away to face Baroka FC at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo. The other fixtures are Gomora United v Highbury FC, Leicesterford City v Midlands Wanderers, University of Pretoria v Cape Town City, The Bees v Casric Stars, Milford FC v Hungry Lions and Lerumo Lions v Upington City.