The Lion City match against Tornado FC this afternoon in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, could be the the potential league decider for the ABC Motsepe League 2015-16 season.
The two clubs are currently tied on 49 points at the top of the log, second and first respectively, with the Mdantsane-based Tornado on top by virtue of their superior goal difference.
City coach Gcobani Chithwa admits that this is the league decider his side cannot afford to lose while his Tornado counterpart Thobela Bikwani is cautious, saying the journey ahead was still long with seven matches to go after this weekend’s round of games.
The rivalry between PE clubs and their East London counterparts is well documented and today’s match will be no different.
Bikwani fired the first salvo: “We are going there to finish what we started when we defeated Lion City by 2-0 in our own backyard.”
Chithwa fired back: “It is revenge time because we cannot allow Tornado to beat us twice if we are to win the league.”
A draw will be good enough to keep Tornado on top. But Bikwani will not settle for that.
“We play the best football in this league and we are an attacking side so three points is our mission right from the opening whistle.”
Chithwa said they were ready to contain Tornado’s aggressive attack saying they have studied their opponents well.
“We are more than ready,” said Chithwa. “For us to achieve our mission, discipline will be paramount and we should not be carried away by emotions.”
On paper, Tornado are a better side both defensively and offensively.
They have scored 57 goals in 22 matches, nine ahead of City while they conceded only 18, one less than their foes.
Tornado have appeared unstoppable of late after achieving five clean sheets on the trot.
In the process, they banged in a whopping 19 goals in six games.
But Bikwani does not want to say his side are favourites to win the championship.
“The journey is still long and anything is possible in the game of football.
“However, I am happy because the spirit is high in the team for the encounter with City, which in itself is a motivation.”
Chithwa expressed disappointment over his side’s 1-1 draw against FC Elliot last weekend when they had the opportunity to remain ahead of Tornado coming to this one.
“This one is a must-win,” Chithwa said. Elsewhere in the Motsepe League today, EC Bees take on FC Buffalo in a Buffalo City Metro derby at the Bisho Stadium at 3pm.
Bees, in fifth place with 40 points, still have an outside chance of coming back to the title race provided the teams about them stumble along the race. Buffalo, on the other hand, are out of the race as they trail the log leaders by 13 points.
Matta Milan are home to Blackburn Rovers at the WSU Ibika campus in Butterworth.
Mthatha City welcome Emperors at the Rotary Stadium at the same time.
Meanwhile, the Safa Buffalo City annual Easter Tournament starts today and will continue next weekend. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Tornado look to secure League
The two clubs are currently tied on 49 points at the top of the log, second and first respectively, with the Mdantsane-based Tornado on top by virtue of their superior goal difference.
City coach Gcobani Chithwa admits that this is the league decider his side cannot afford to lose while his Tornado counterpart Thobela Bikwani is cautious, saying the journey ahead was still long with seven matches to go after this weekend’s round of games.
The rivalry between PE clubs and their East London counterparts is well documented and today’s match will be no different.
Bikwani fired the first salvo: “We are going there to finish what we started when we defeated Lion City by 2-0 in our own backyard.”
Chithwa fired back: “It is revenge time because we cannot allow Tornado to beat us twice if we are to win the league.”
A draw will be good enough to keep Tornado on top. But Bikwani will not settle for that.
“We play the best football in this league and we are an attacking side so three points is our mission right from the opening whistle.”
Chithwa said they were ready to contain Tornado’s aggressive attack saying they have studied their opponents well.
“We are more than ready,” said Chithwa. “For us to achieve our mission, discipline will be paramount and we should not be carried away by emotions.”
On paper, Tornado are a better side both defensively and offensively.
They have scored 57 goals in 22 matches, nine ahead of City while they conceded only 18, one less than their foes.
Tornado have appeared unstoppable of late after achieving five clean sheets on the trot.
In the process, they banged in a whopping 19 goals in six games.
But Bikwani does not want to say his side are favourites to win the championship.
“The journey is still long and anything is possible in the game of football.
“However, I am happy because the spirit is high in the team for the encounter with City, which in itself is a motivation.”
Chithwa expressed disappointment over his side’s 1-1 draw against FC Elliot last weekend when they had the opportunity to remain ahead of Tornado coming to this one.
“This one is a must-win,” Chithwa said. Elsewhere in the Motsepe League today, EC Bees take on FC Buffalo in a Buffalo City Metro derby at the Bisho Stadium at 3pm.
Bees, in fifth place with 40 points, still have an outside chance of coming back to the title race provided the teams about them stumble along the race. Buffalo, on the other hand, are out of the race as they trail the log leaders by 13 points.
Matta Milan are home to Blackburn Rovers at the WSU Ibika campus in Butterworth.
Mthatha City welcome Emperors at the Rotary Stadium at the same time.
Meanwhile, the Safa Buffalo City annual Easter Tournament starts today and will continue next weekend. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
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