Polokwane City are out to return to winning ways at home when they host Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership on Sunday afternoon at Peter Mokaba Stadium.Kick-0ff is at 3:00pm.
Rise and Shine recently parted ways with coach Luc Eymael who jumped ship and joined their visitors, Siwelele, and because of that this match has all the ingredients of a thriller.
Although they have managed to hold defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their previous league match without Eymael, they will be motivated to beat Celtic.
Caretaker coach Bernard Molekwa is aware of the challenges and tasks lying ahead of him as they remain in contention to reach the top eight spot for the first time.
City have been blowing hot and cold in their campaign. They drew against the Brazilians, beat African All Stars in the Nedbank Cup, but also drew against Baroka FC in the league.
Sitting at No 6 with 27 points from 21 matches means a win will take them to 30 points, thus reaching their goal to play in the MTN8 Cup tournament come the 2017/18 season.
“It’s an opportunity and I will see. I will try by all means to do everything – and not alone‚ but as a team – to make sure this team goes forward,” said Molekwa.
“I was trying to motivate my players. Because I needed to do that. At times I needed to encourage them more‚ because I knew they might lose focus.
“Our ambition is still to try to finish in the top eight. To do that we need to start collecting maximum points.
“We’ll try by all means to do that in our next game against Bloemfontein Celtic.”
On the other hand, the visiting Mangaung-based side will be disappointed by the fact that Eyamel will not be on the touchline on Sunday due to the ongoing legal battle with their hosts.
The Belgian’s case was postponed on Thursday as both clubs seek to find a solution in the matter involving Eymael, but this will allow caretaker coach Lehlohonolo Seema to remain in charge.
Celtic have also had mixed results in their previous three matches in all competitions which will come as a cause for concern regarding consistency.
The beat Buya Msuthu 2-0 in the Ke Yona competition, but lost 3-1 to Bidvest Wits in the league and drew 0-0 against Eric Tinkler’s Cape Town city at home.
In the opening round, both PSL sides played to a dull 0-0 draw in the Free State and this will definitely become a six pointer for both camps.
Seema’s men occupy the 14th spot on the log table with 19 points from 20 matches and flirting with relegation means they must go all out to bag a victory.
“Everyone wants to survive the chop and winning games must be our priority. We can do it, judging by the high spirit reigning in the team,” said midfielder Lantshene Phalane.
“Scoring goals is everyone’s responsibility and if we all believe in each other like it has been the case, we will reach the top-eight position.”
“I believe in my teammates, management and supporters and if we remain bonded in fighting for the same goal, that of escaping relegation and winning the cup for the supporters we will realise our goals.”
