With the Mokibelo Ramabu, pictured, and Thabang Matuludi partnership back in full swing, can Rise and Shine halt the Orlando Pirates juggernaut at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday? Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
POLOKWANE CITY welcome Orlando Pirates to the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm), knowing that victory over the high-riding Buccaneers will get them ever so close to their season’s target. Pocket the maximum three points and Phuti Mohafe’s team will be just five points away from their goal.
“The target has always been clear,” Mohafe said.
“Do better than what you did last season. We finished on 35 points and we got position seven. So, we must do better than that and if we go to the extreme, so be it.”
Rise and Shine are currently seventh on the Betway Premiership table on 28 points after 18 matches, meaning they need eight more points to achieve their goal. Like their adversaries, they too go into Wednesday night's match on the back of a derby win; City having beaten Magesi FC 2-0 at the weekend while Pirates walloped Kaizer Chiefs 3-0.
There can be no denying that the table-topping Pirates will start the clash as favourites. The Buccaneers have lost only twice in 21 league meetings between the two sides, with eight draws. Pirates have already beaten City on two occasions this season: 2-0 in the MTN8 and 1-0 in the league.
That, though, should not be allowed to paint a picture of guaranteed maximum points for the visitors, not with the game being as fickle as it is at this level.
Mohafe’s team will be high on confidence given the return to action of defender Mokibelo Ramabu, whose combination with right-back Thabang Matuludi provides the heartbeat of the Limpopo capital outfit. The duo got their names on the scoresheet at Seshego Stadium at the weekend and left their coach purring as he sang their praises.
“That combination, I think it must not be dismantled in this team. It is a combination that has been working well for us; it’s the combination that promoted us; it’s the combination that keeps gathering strength for us.”
That much was proven during Ramabu’s absence in recent matches.
“Ramabu’s injury affected us dearly because in all of those matches when he was not there, we struggled. (Against Magesi) it showed the understanding between the two players is massive. We have to bring in another Ramabu, and another Matuludi because the combination gives us a lot defensively and offensively.”
The combination faces a stern test tonight against a Pirates outfit who will have their tails up following that Soweto Derby victory.
They are top of the table and will want to remain there, with their adversaries Mamelodi Sundowns also in action against Golden Arrows at the same time.