Bloemfontein Celtic will be aiming at notching their first home win of the season when they host Kaizer Chiefs in their Absa Premiership clash at the Vodacom Park on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Celtic coach Owen da Gama is happy with Phunya Sele-Sele’s unbeaten start to the season but badly wants a home victory after three successive home draws.
Said Da Gama: ”We owe it to our loyal fans and hopefully we will score it against Chiefs.”
Da Gama has weaved his magic at Celtic this season after he rescued the club from being relegated last season. Since he took charge in January, Celtic failed to win an away match. This season that has changed with Phunya Sele-Sele winning two and drawing their other away fixtures played so far.
But Da Gama is not getting carried away. ”It is still early days. But we have had a much better start and aim to kick on. But one win could see any club jump up the table so there is nothing in it at this stage.”
Da Gama is wary of the threat posed by rejuvenated Amakhosi.
”Chiefs have won their last two matches so they have bounced back after a poor start to the season. I realise that Chiefs are always dangerous and the fact they have won their last two matches shows me they are back on the mend.”
Unfortunately, Da Gama has a number of key players missing. Out are attacking midfielder Tlou Segolela who has scored four goals so far, former Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotsetsi and striker Moses Spandeel who was involved in a car accident at the weekend and needed surgery to his hand plus injured defender Billy Ratsoana.
”We will miss the players, especially Segolela, who has been on fire for us. But it gives other players a chance to play and that means more competition which at the end of the day is a healthy state of affairs.”
Celtic welcome back defender Thabo Nthethe from injury.
Da Gama is delighted with new striker Sandile Ndlovu who has scored twice and midfielder Prince Olomu who has netted four goals so far. ”Both are turning out to be excellent signings.”
But Da Gama was playing his cards close to his chest about replacements.
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic is not having a good start to his coaching career in the PSL, having only those two wins and a draw from six matches.
Said Da Gama: ”Chiefs, despite their slow start are always capable of rising to the occasion and I respect what they are capable of.”
A Johannesburg derby is set for the Dobsonville Stadium where Moroka Swallows host unbeaten BidVest Wits at 7.30pm.
The Birds have had mixed fortunes this season having won two and drawn one of their six matches.
The Students are doing well with 10 points from six matches and must fancy their chances against the unpredictable Birds.
The only other unbeaten side — Orlando Pirates — who head the standings with 14 points, host Platinum Stars at the Orlando Stadium at 7.30pm in what promises to be a test for the Buccaneers.
Bucs have not conceded a goal in the league this season but will have that fine record tested against the free running Stars under energetic coach Steve Komphela.
Bucs goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs faces a late fitness test on a finger injury.
Newcomers Mpumalanga Black Aces tackle Free State Stars at Ackerville at 7.30pm while in other fixtures Mamelodi Sundowns, who have again disappointed so far, play AmaZulu at the Super Stadium at 7.30pm, Ajax Cape Town face Maritzburg United at Newlands at 7.30pm and at the Chatsworth Stadium Golden Arrows are at home to Santos at 3.30pm. – Sapa