Mkhulu Mashau
JAMES Mogabe, coach of Rockville United Killers, rates his team’s chances in the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge which kicks off at different venues in Soweto on Sunday.
But Killers will first have to beat Freedom Park Ratanang at Freedom Park.
The Killers-Ratanang match is just one of 40 games involving all 80 Soweto Football Association (SFA) affiliates.
“We have been waiting for a long time for the opportunity to play in this historic tournament named after one of the doyens of South African soccer, Solomon ‘Stix’ Morewa. So it is indeed an honour to take part in the event,” said Mogagabe.
“I respect Ratanang and all the other teams, but on Sunday, the respect will temporarily be shelved because there is a lot at stake,” added Mogagabe.
In another match, Freedom Park Brothers will get a much needed chance to redeem their credibility when they take on unpredictable Mapetla Youth United at Sinqobile Primary School in Freedom Park.
Brothers’ loss of form in recent league games suggests they could be sitting ducks against the hungry, youthful Mapetla team. They have slipped a long way down the table, after being on top for the better part of the first half.
“I don’t imagine for a moment that United will beat us in a cup match, especially when we’ll be playing at home in front of a myriad of die-hard supporters,” said Brothers coach Patrick Mulea.
Much as there is a lot of hype around the prestigious tournament, this year’s competition comes in a different format which officials say will make it more competitive.
“We have done away with grouping the teams in streams of four mini leagues out of which first and second will proceed to the knockout stage.”
Clinix Stix Morewa
fixtures:
Protea Hill Stars v Life United, Movers v Phiri Super Stars, Senaoane Gunners v Senaoane Real City (Senaoane Swimming pool), Meadowlands Scorpions v Bern-ard Super Strikers, Mots- wako v Diepkloof Hellenic (Meadowlands Zone 5), Orlando United v Orlando Real City, FC Pilots Kliptown v Youth Program (Orlando Fora), Sancho Rangers v Grace Bible Church, Sea Robbers v Lawley (Reashuma High School), Genius v White City Tigers, White City Spurs v Siyanqoba Development, Norkem Rangers v Mzimhlophe Porto, Soweto Campus v Real Madrid (UJ Soweto), Seven Stars v Logos, Naledi United v Dlamini XI Experience, Mike Stars v PCO Young Ones (Moletsane Sport Centre), Kliptown Killers v Sakhumzi, Pimville Westham v Tshiawelo Juventus, Pimville Cameroon v Orlando Destroyers, Lenasia Spurs v Future Stars (George Ndlovu)