Tornado to face fighting fit Stars

The ABC Motsepe continues this weekend with league heavyweights clashing throughout the province.

One of the most anticipated games will be played by Tornado when they host P E Stars at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Saturday afternoon.

Stars, currently third on the log on 35 points, are fighting for promotion, and this game will be do or die for them, as Tornado are currently in the lead.

The Mdantsane-based reigning champions occupy the summit of the log, but they are only up by one point (38), with Mthatha Bucks in second place with 37 points.

Stars coach Duran Francis has gone on record saying they were gunning for the league title so they could qualify for the ABC Motsepe League promotional playoffs when the season ends, and this game against Tornado will be strong determining factor to back up his statements.

Tornado have proven to the country why they went into the playoffs last season, but missed out on promotion to the National First Division (NFD) after playing to draws.

They recently hosted Kaizer Chiefs at the NU2 venue in a Nedbank Cup game, and what better motivation for the players and technical team to secure the league title again.

Another side that surprised many in the thirdtier league fraternity is none other than Bucks, who had a tough time last season and were relegated.

Bucks have managed to win 11 league games after a rocky start. The Mthathabased outfit lost a pool of players who left for greener pastures when the club could no longer pay them their salaries.

Bucks even had an embarrassing result where they were beaten by league newcomers Amavarara and Birmingham City at home.

But now they are lying second on log.

Their COO, Lunga “Doc” Tukute expressed a bit of relief that they have managed to finally build a team that they think can win the league for them.

But even with the pool of talent they recently roped in, Tukute told the Dispatch he was concerned about their upcoming games against Stars and Tornado.

Bucks will host relegation-threatened The Guys at the Mthatha Stadium on Saturday.

Other fixtures: Bush Bucks Academy v

Stars coach Duran Francis has said they were gunning for the title so they could qualify for the promotional playoffs

Amavarara (North End Stadium), Peace Makers v Butterworth (Wolfsons Stadium) , Birmingham City v Sibanye (North End Stadium), Bizana Pondo Chiefs v Matta Milan (Mqeshwa Sports Fields)