Pride will be at stake when teams in the Motsepe Foundation Championship play their second-last matches of the season on Sunday, with positions largely settled at both ends of the table.
After hosting Midlands Wanderers at Malamulele Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, Gomora United remained in Limpopo instead of returning to Johannesburg. They will face Kruger United at the same venue on Sunday.
Gomora and Kruger have little more than pride to play for. Despite a heavy 4-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium last Saturday, Gomora are clear of the relegation zone. The Giraffes, as they are affectionately known, were in 12th position with 32 points before their midweek fixture against Midlands Wanderers.
The head coach of Gomora, Mr Ashely Makhanya, said that beating Kruger United on Sunday would restore the team’s pride. Kruger United, meanwhile, are in confident mood after defeating Black Leopards 3-1 at Kanyamazane Stadium outside Mbombela last Saturday.
Makhanya’s counterpart at Kruger United, Abram Mongoya, said they aim to win their two remaining matches for the team’s enthusiastic supporters.
Mokeri Senwamadi, Xola Mosiela and former Black Leopards sharpshooter Tiklas Thutlwa could pose a threat in Kruger’s defence if not well contained. Thutlwa is the team’s leading goal-scorer.
In another fixture, Black Leopards will entertain Venda Football Club in a Vhembe derby at Thohoyandou Stadium.