Stellies set to dethrone Sporting
Three points at stake for top spot
The top-of-the-table National First Division (NFD) clash between leaders TS Sporting and second-placed Stellenbosch at Kabokweni Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm) could provide details about these two clubs’ promotion credentials.
Sporting are on 14 points, one ahead of Stellenbosch after seven matches. The Stellies coach Steve Barker concedes this match is their most important match thus far, as they aim to displace the Mpumalanga-based side from the top spot.
“I think this is our biggest test this season. The magnitude of this encounter is unexplainable. Our main objective is to oust Sporting and occupy the top spot. The only way to do that is to beat them,” Barker told Sowetan yesterday.
Sporting have not conceded in their last six games. The last time they conceded was when they were drubbed 3-1 by newcomers Maccabi in August. Barker knows it’ll be difficult to unlock Abantu Bomthetho’s stubborn defence.
“They have an impressive defensive record. It will not be easy to get goals, especially because they are playing at home. But we have got our plan, we will apply pressure on them. We will fight.”
Barker also challenged his joint top-scorers Jarrod Moroole and Iqraam Rayners, who are tied up on four goals each, not to allow the NFD topscorer Siyabonga Vilane of Uthongathi (six goals) to widen the gap in the run-in for the golden boot.
NFD fixtures (all at 3.30pm) Tomorrow: Sporting v Stellenbosch, Kabokweni Stadium; Tshakhuma v Mbombela, Thohoyandou Stadium; Ajax v Ubuntu, Cape Town Stadium; Eagles v Galaxy, Chatsworth Stadium.
Sunday: Maccabi v Kings, Dobsonville Stadium; Richards Bay v Uthongathi, Umhlathuze Sports Complex; Umoya v Spurs, Boland Stadium; Cosmos v AmaTuks, Vosloorus Stadium