Zimu: We know what to expect

Muziwokuthula Zimu (above) doesn’t like gambling and has undertaken to ensure that Mbombela United do not have to “gamble” through the play-offs in their bid to play Absa Premiership football next season.

The 27-year-old striker has scored four goals this season and one was against TS Galaxy at the weekend which ensured Tingwenyama rose to third place in the standings, seven points behind leaders Stellenbosch FC.

“When the season started we said we want to be in the Premiership next season and we are still on course. It is early days but having played most of the teams now we know what to expect.

“What gives me more hope is that we have already played the two teams above us (Stellenbosch and TS Sporting) away and they will be coming here for the second round. We are not letting anyone get away with anything here at home,” he said yesterday.

“We want to make the Premiership through automatic qualification because the play-offs are a lottery and you are just gambling if you go to them,” he added.

Zimu is, however, aware that his constant scoring is attracting him some attention from defenders and he said it is what he wanted. “I want teams to plan to stop me. That will create space for others,” said the striker.

He said the hard work he has been putting at training and the faith that coach Milton Dlamini has shown in him has boosted his confidence and he feels he will still score more goals.

Charlton Mashumba is, meanwhile, fast proving to be a vital cog – and perhaps the piece to finish the puzzle – for Jomo Cosmos as he was influential in their 2-1 win over Real Kings at Vosloorus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Zimbabwean striker kept the Magic Boys’ defenders busy and despite missing a few easy chances, his hard work earned Ezenkosi a valuable three points.

Mashumba scored one of the goals in the 2-1 win but he could have easily had more. He has now scored four in four games and if he remains injury-free, he can help Cosmos climb the table.

They are seventh with 17 points after 12 matches. Maccabi FC also had a good weekend as they wrestled the three points out of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila with a 2-0 away win.

Veterans Collins Mbesuma and Lebogang Mokoena were the scorers for Maccabi on Saturday afternoon.