Vasco aim to close on Thanda
VASCO DA GAMA will be out to end Thanda Royal Zulu’s 15-match unbeaten run in the National First Division at Parow Park tomorrow (3.30pm), while the Cape’s two other NFD teams, Chippa United and FC Cape Town, travel to Blackburn Rovers and United FC respectively.
Vasco are third on the log, four points off the pace being set by unbeaten Pretoria University and two behind Thanda.
“It’s a big game for both sides,” said Vasco coach Tony de Nobrega.
“We missed playing each other in the first half of the season so we don’t know what to expect from them. A positive result puts us in second place, a defeat would slip us five points behind.
“Playing at home is a huge advantage, our form has been pretty solid with five wins, one loss and a draw,” he said.
“The only downside is that the league is coming off a twomonth break, making it challenging for coaches to keep the players fit and focused.”
De Nobrega added that his pattern of play would not deviate from an attack-minded approach employed so far.
“We are the leading team in terms of goals scored because of that,” he said.
“Our midfield has shown they can score goals at will, and the striking unit has been equally effective, so we are in a good space.”
NFD newcomers Chippa United, fifth on the log, face a tough assignment in the form of Rovers, who were perched at the top of the log for most of the first round before a slump in form saw them slip off the pace.
Chippa have made steady progress up the table after a poor start but ended 2011 with a second consecutive defeat as fellow newcomers Sivutsa Stars secured a 3-1 home win.
Counting against Chippa is the fact that they’re yet to win away from home, their record of four losses and three draws not inspiring much hope of a change in fortune.
FC Cape Town (ninth) have slipped off the pace following back-to-back defeats.
“We were not happy to lose to Thanda and Atlie FC,” said Town coach Josef Vukusic. “The game against Atlie (a 3-2 loss at home) we ended with nine players but nearly came back with a draw. It showed me players are hungry, it’s now about learning from the experiences and taking that experience into the second half of the season.
“We had good practice matches against Supersport United, Ajax, Santos and Vasco to prepare us for what is a tough return to the league with four games in 10 days, beginning with United FC.
“United are an improving side and are just below us on the log so it is going to take big commitment from us if we are to come away with all the points. For that to happen we must play our gameplan and play to full potential. I am happy that we have some experienced faces returning to action, that is a big plus for us as this is a very tough league.”