Moroka Swallows winger David Mathebula said that he was ready to battle against his former team Kaizer Chiefs in an appetising Premiership clash set for Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Swallows are fresh from a league opening 3-1 win over Santos last weekend and will be hoping for a successive victory over their arch-rivals in the Soweto Derby that is expected to be sold out.
“I think it will be a good battle, they are a good team with good midfielders,” said Mathebula.
“We are also playing a good game so anything can happen, I will definitely do my best when I’m on the field.”
Swallows coach Gordon Igesund said that the preparations were on track against a side he has marked as one of the favourites for the championship.
“We’ve prepared well and being that it’s one of the oldest fixtures in the soccer calendar I will be expecting a fantastic game,” said Igesund.
“I thought that Chiefs did well against Cosmos where they won 2-1 but keeper Avril Phali did well to stop a number of their chances.
“We have a lot of confidence after our win against Santos where we played in windy Cape conditions and a defensive team.”
Chiefs midfielder Josta Dladla said that getting three points will not be easy against the Birds who have beefed up with quality players like midfielders Mathebula, Joseph Makhanya and defender Luvhengo Mungomeni for this season.
“Being one of the original Soweto derbies, I’m hoping there will be a good turn out and a good match again a formidable Swallows side,” Dladla said.
“We want the win and will have to take our chances against them, they’ll also be looking to beat us just as badly.”
Amakhosi’s number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is expected to be fit for the match having sustained a leg injury against Cosmos.
In another match in the evening sees Cosmos take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton.
Ezenkosi owner and coach Jomo Sono told his club’s website that his side has picked up some confidence despite losing to Chiefs in the first game of the season for the newly-promoted outfit.
Sono said that he was looking at bolstering his defence in the coming weeks as he aims to avoid the dreaded relegation drop.
“Before the game against Chiefs I had my doubts because I believe my defence needed that extra bite and creativity, but as soon as we get the papers of our newly-signed players sorted out we should have a stronger team,” said Sono.
“Necessary papers are still being awaited to facilitate the eligibility of newly-signed Ghanaian centre-back Ofosu Appiah and the Zimbabwean duo of midfield grafter Alois Ngwerume and striker Taonga Dondo.”
One-time defender Thapelo Tshilo could be re-joining Cosmos on loan from Sundowns as well.
The Brazilians will enter the fray looking on an improved performance from their disappointing 0-0 draw against AmaZulu on Sunday.
Both matches kick off at 8pm.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 