Midfield magician Teko Modise is a doubtful starter for Orlando Pirates’ Absa Premiership clash against bottom club Bloemfontein Celtic at the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Modise suffered a couple of knocks during last Saturday’s Telkom Knockout final against Ajax Cape Town in Durban in which the Urban warriors defeated Bucs 2-1.
Bucs are looking to bounce back. But bottom-of-the-log Celtic have far bigger problems and three points will be like gold to them at this stage of the season.
Said Pirates spokesperson Mickey Modisane: ”We tried our best against Ajax but it was not to be. But we are determined to make amends to our fans by collecting six points from our remaining two fixtures this year. We are now targeting the bigger prize and that is winning the league.”
Bucs play a revived AmaZulu in KwaMashu on Saturday to end their 2008 programme.
Phunya Sele Sele coach Mich D’Avray is under no illusions as to the task ahead. After Pirates, Celtic host their neighbours ,Free State Stars, in what promises to be a nail-biting Free State derby at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday.
Said the former England under-21 star: ”We need to focus and forget that Pirates are also hurting after losing the cup final. We have enough of our own problems to solve … The bottom line is that we have to start picking up points and quickly.”
Celtic are bottom of the table on eight points after 12 matches. They suffered a 2-1 reverse at home at the weekend to BidVest Wits, and that angered their fans who showed their displeasure with club management and technical staff after that defeat at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
Despite the fact that Celtic are propping up the league, Modisane and his coach, Ruud Krol, know Celtic cannot be taken for granted. Said Modisane: ”The stakes are high. We are determined to get three points, the same as Celtic. The fact Celtic are struggling means this is going to be a tough 90 minutes for us.”
D’Avray’s biggest headache is his strikers are firing blanks. Moses Spandeel has netted once in 12 matches while Petrus Mahlatsi has been injured and sidelined for eight weeks. The recent signing of veteran former Kaizer Chiefs, Charlton Athletic and Bafana Bafana star Shaun Bartlett will help, but Bartlett is still not match fit.
A lot will depend on the form of Ugandan striker Geoffrey Sserunkuma, who is the only striker in form and has scored five goals so far.
Said D’Avray: ”We are losing by the odd goal — that means my defence is fairly solid and midfield is OK, but the attack needs to wake up. Bartlett and Mahlatsi will make a world of difference when they are both fully fit, but in the meantime we will have to battle on.”
D’Avray has a healthy respect for the Buccaneers. ”I have watched them a lot this season. They are a good outfit. They are capable of getting a big score and I just hope it is not against us.”
Platinum Stars, 2-0 victors over Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend, host Ajax at the Mmabatho Stadium on Wednesday afternoon (3.30pm). Defending champions SuperSport United play Bay United at the ERPU Stadium on Wednesday night. Bay drew 3-3 with Kaizer Chiefs at Rustenburg’s Olympia Park and appear to be on the right track to move away from the relegation zone under new coach Khabo Zondo.
Chiefs, who are huffing and puffing this season, travel to QwaQwa for their showdown against Free State Stars in their Wednesday fixture. Kick-off is at 3.30pm. Sundowns will be hoping to avoid a third successive home defeat when they host Maritzburg United at the Super Stadium. United are now coached by Gordon Igesund, who led Downs to the championship in 2007. Downs players appear to lack commitment and new coach Henry Michel has his work cut out bringing back their winning spirit and hunger for success. Kick-off is at 7.30pm — Sapa