Tough encounter for young Hearts players tonight
THE youthful Hearts players will have their work cut out when they tackle an experienced Young Ideas team in a Safa-NMB SAB League soccer fixture at the Saints field in Gelvandale tonight.
Both teams had a rosy start to the season last month, but failed to carry that form into the Nedbank Knockout Cup competition, crashing out in the first round.
However, Hearts and Young Ideas showed their ability in their league matches last week.
Hearts did well to come from behind to draw with Despatch Pioneers, while Saints beat Nedbank Cup finalists Ikamva Movers 2-1.
“We have a young squad that coach Frank Schoeman is moulding and we expect to improve as the season progresses,” Hearts official Munchy Morgan said.
Fairview Rovers will have a tough task when they play PE Sundowns at the Chevrolet Stadium.
Fielding virtually an U19 squad, Rovers have lost twice to archrivals NMU Madibaz.
They were beaten 2-1 in a league match, and forced into a penalty shootout in the first round of the Nedbank Cup.
“We had a bye last week and this has given us time to prepare the boys,” Fairview Rovers coach Poppy Harrison said.
“If they do well against the experienced PE Sundowns, it will set us up for the rest of the season.
“Although it is an away game, we plan to return with maximum points,” Harrison said.
“We have replaced most of our senior players with youngsters and it is time for them to justify the faith shown in them.”
Sundowns thrashed Highland Spurs 3-0 last week, and will start as the favourites against Rovers.
Newly crowned Nedbank Cup champions Madibaz play Camper United at the NU9 Stadium.
It will be a tough test for the students, who are facing a trying period on the university calendar.
Some of the students are busy with exams, while others, who have finished writing, have already headed home.
“The rest of the matches this year will test the depth in our squad, as the players juggle academics with soccer,” NMU soccer manager Mark Tommy said.
“We also have to prepare for the next round of the Nedbank Cup, against the regional winners from across the province.
“However, we are confident that with the support systems we have, the boys will carry us through.”
Movers, who were unlucky to lose to NMU Madibaz in the Nedbank Cup, play Morning Stars at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell.
Fixtures:
Tonight: Hearts v Young Ideas (Saints, Gelvandale)
Tomorrow: PE Sundowns v Fairview Rovers (Chevrolet Stadium), Golden Aces v Highland Spurs (Zwide Stadium), Camper United v NMU Madibaz (NU9 Stadium), Motherwell Academy v Major Chiefs (Mawabo Dyubhe Stadium), Mabayibone Strikers v Young Killers (Walmer), Ikamva Movers v Morning Stars (NU2 Stadium).