Can Jomo conjure up two good results in playoffs via Mkhize?
JOMO SONO will unleash Jomo Cosmos’ weapon this afternoon against Black Leopards in a crucial match at Thohoyandou Stadium, which could determine who will become the 16th team in the PSL.
Sicelo Mkhize, Cosmos’ top goalscorer in the National First Division, will feel like a new signing for Ezenkosi as the winger hasn’t kicked a ball in the playoffs due to injury. The lad from Hammarsdale in KZN, who scored six goals this season, painfully watched his teammates struggle to find the back of the net against Platinum Stars in a goalless draw that set Cosmos back in their fight to return to top-flight football.
But Ezenkosi still have their destiny in their hands – win their last two games and they are back to the elite league. Even a draw against Leopards would be enough, provided that they beat Dikwena by 2-0 or more on Saturday at Vosloorus Stadium. A win for Leopards will see them return to the PSL after five years in the first division and make Saturday’s match a dead-rubber tie.
“It’s been tough watching my teammates and not being able to help,” Mkhize said. “The hardest game to watch was that draw with Platinum Stars. I saw that I could have pitched in with a goal or two. I am glad that I am now fine and can compete.”
“It means a lot for me to be in a club like Cosmos because it is a recognisable brand led by a man (Sono) who is renowned for his eye for talent,” Mkhize said. “I have learned a lot from working with him. I am ready to take my game to the next level and that means playing in the PSL next season. I have done this before. I was part of the Real Kings team that won the ABC Motsepe League and gained promotion to the NFD through the playoffs. It would be special to do that all over again with Cosmos.”
While Cosmos’ weapon, Mkhize, is a little bit rusty, Leopards’ bazooka, Mwape Musonda, has fired past both Lidoda Duvha’s rivals in the playoffs and put his team at the summit with five points.
The last time Cosmos visited Limpopo, they got a 3-0 hiding. But that was part of the plan for Sono as Cosmos had already secured a place in the playoffs.
“That wasn’t even our B team, that was our C team,” Mkhize said. “Our A-team is something else. As a unit we are hungry to play in the PSL. We know that it’s all in our hands so we know what we have to do.”