Opportunity for Callies to nudge leaders

CALLIES can move to within a point of log leaders Hotspurs if they earn maximum points from their double-header this weekend.

They play arch-rivals and PE Football Association neighbours NMMU Madibaz at the Second Avenue campus tomorrow and Ikamva Movers at the Zwide Stadium on Sunday.

“It’s a Pefa derby and will not be easy with the number of double-headers in recent weeks,” Callies coach Moenier Safedien said.

“The boys are taking strain but we are determined to win and remain in the league race.”

Although they do not have a double-header this weekend, NMMU soccer manager Mark Tommy echoed the sentiments.

“Since January we have had a spate of double-headers and this is not conducive for good football,” Tommy said.

“The effect is clearly showing as the players are weary at the end of the weekend.”

Madibaz are 11 points off the pace and, with eight matches remaining, are still in with a chance.

Meanwhile Fairview Rovers, who are 10 points behind the log leaders and a point above Madibaz, should maintain their challenge when they play Ikamva Movers at the NU2 Stadium.

The fixtures are:

Tomorrow: Imbabala Young Stars v Island City (Jabavu), Central Acemates v Motherwell Academy (Westbourne Oval), Ikamva Movers v Fairview Rovers (NU2 Stadium), Royal Bucks v Young Cosmos (NU9 Stadium), Ghetto Stars v Camper United (Walmer High), Hotspurs v Showvillage (Moore Dyke), NMMU Madibaz v Callies (Second Avenue), Despatch Pioneers v Highland Spurs (Khayamnandi)

Sunday: Highland Spurs v Royal Bucks (Jabavu), Despatch Pioneers v Island City (Khayamnandi), Callies v Ikamva Movers (Zwide Stadium)