Cosmos ready for big battle

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Expect some fireworks at Makhulong Stadium where Jomo Cosmos host Richards Bay tomorrow afternoon in a National First Division match as both sides are looking for a win, albeit for contrasting reasons.

Ezenkosi will be looking to repeat the win they earned at Maccabi FC last weekend while the Natal Rich Boys will want to avoid a second defeat after the loss at Cape Umoya United on Monday.

Cosmos had to fight for their win which was not easy as Maccabi gave them a tough fight and it was Tebogo Mabula’s strike late in the game that sealed the points.

The KwaZulu-Natal side had been doing well under their new coach Brandon Truter, winning two and drawing one before Monday’s defeat.

But Cosmos could also have the experienced trio of Angelo Lebahi, Charlton Mashumba and Stanley Umukoro available. The trio have been waiting for their work permits.

Mbombela United will meanwhile want to show their new NFD neighbours TS Sporting that they are the big boys of Mpumalanga when the two sides meet at Mbombela Stadium this afternoon. But Milton Dlamini’s side may find the going tough against Abantu Bemthetho who got their first win last weekend, beating Ajax Cape Town.

And depending on other results, Sporting could be top of the standings should they win this afternoon. Benson Mhlongo’s side have collected seven points in four matches with two wins, a draw and a defeat. A win will take them to 10 points.

The win over Ajax will have given Abantu Bemthetho a huge confidence boost.