Bucks win just what the doctor ordered
MTHATHA Bucks moved up two places on the National First Division log after they scored a late goal to beat AmaZulu 2-1 at the Princes Magogo Stadium on Wednesday.
The hard-fought victory took coach Ian Palmer's men to position six with 25 points after 17 games. This was the team's first win this year after they drew 0-0 with Jomo Cosmos in their opening game of the second round.
Tomorrow, Amathol’amnyama will have an opportunity to continue climbing the log-standings when they do battle with Royal Eagles at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Should the Eastern Cape outfit beat third-placed Eagles, they will position three on the log with 28 points.
And should second-placed Black Leopards lose against Mbombela United at the Kanyamazane Stadium, Bucks will come back from KwaZuluNatal in position two.
Eagles, who were beaten 1-0 by Cape Town All Stars on Wednesday will be like wounded lions which will make them more difficult to beat.
But former Eagles left winger Madumetja “Di Maria” Khwinana believes Bucks have what it takes to beat his former employers.
“Di Maria”, who was brought in to bolster the Bucks side during the mid-season break, has been a revelation, playing crucial roles in the two games Palmer has been in charge of.
“Royal Eagles are a tough team but Bucks are stronger. We have gelled well as a team and get along very well as players. I am positive we will win this game,” he said.
Just like it is always the case when players come up against their former teams, the 21-year-old Limpopo-born Khwinana will play his socks off.
“I am looking forward to the game. I will have a point to prove definitely. I will want to show them that they should have never let me go.”
Before the AmaZulu game, Palmer told the Daily Dispatch that he was targeting four points. The former Maritzburg United and Chippa United mentor had targeted a draw against Usuthu and a win against Eagles.
Impressive Bucks attacking midfielder Mazwi “Jomo” Mncube blasted his side to the lead with a first half penalty after striker Sydney “Eto'o” Masana was fouled in the box.
The goal took Mncube's goals to eight this season.
However, AmaZulu equalised with an 81st minute Siyabonga Nomvete penalty before Chileshe Kangwa came off the bench to secure the win with a 90th minute strike.
Palmer heaped praise on his players for their fighting spirit.
“We just need to be disciplined in defence but we could have kept a clean sheet had it not been for a questionable penalty,” he said..
“We just have to show the same fighting spirit and hope that other results go our way too.”
Bucks will be without Masana who will be suspended for picking two yellow cards. “But we've got enough quality in the team,” the former Orlando Pirates striker said.