They have both played and coached at the highest level and today they will be looking to guide their respective teams to victory when their sides clash in Mthatha.
Mthatha Bucks coach Ian Palmer will come head to head with Jomo Cosmos boss Jomo Sono.
And while they both mesmerised adoring fans and terrorised opposition teams in their playing days in the 1970s and 1990s, today they will dish out instructions from the touchline.
Palmer will sit on the Bucks bench for the first time in a competitive match as his side lock horns with Cosmos in a potentially gripping NFD game at the Mthatha Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).
Both coaches will be hoping their tactics yield the desired results as both sides chase a play-off spot and PSL qualification.
Both sides still have a chance of finishing third, which is a guaranteed play-off spot.
But the former Orlando Pirates striker and creative midfielder will have to get their tactics spot on.
So what do they think of one another?
“I’ve got great respect for him. He is an absolute legend,” Palmer said of the Black Prince.
“His record speaks for itself. He has the ability to promote teams. Look at what he’s produced all these years.
“I don’t think anybody else will replica what he has achieved in terms of development, scouting players, getting players abroad,” the former Maritzburg and Chippa United mentor said.
The former Bafana Bafana coach also spoke highly of Palmer.
“He’s a good coach. A well travelled coach with a lot of experience. I have high respect for him,” he said.
When the two sides met in the first round last year, Cosmos got the better of Bucks.
Are Palmer’s charges ready to avenge that loss?
“We’ve got no choice.
“The team spirit is nice and high. We are absolutely looking forward to the game,” Palmer said.
Dr Bra J said his boys were equally up to the task.
“They’re a good team. They gave us a run for our money when we beat them in Joburg, so we’re expecting a very, very tough game.”
Fifth placed Cosmos go into the game with 22 points after 15 games while Bucks are in position seven with 21 points from the same number of games.
Very little separates the sides but Amathol’amnyama should have the added advantage of the 12th man as the Bucks faithful are expected to pack the stadium.
In their four wins, nine draws and two loses, Bucks have scored 22 times and conceded 18, while the traditionally defensive Cosmos have hit the back of the net 18 times, letting in 16 goals in their six wins, five draws and four loses.
Bucks star players Mazwi “Jomo” Mncube and Sydney Masana promised this week the team would emerge victorious after 90 minutes.
The two men will be key if the home side is to get all three points today. But the team has struggled in the final third of the pitch.
Is a month enough time to get that right? All will be revealed today.
Cosmos and Bucks meet in chase for key play offs
Mthatha Bucks coach Ian Palmer will come head to head with Jomo Cosmos boss Jomo Sono.
And while they both mesmerised adoring fans and terrorised opposition teams in their playing days in the 1970s and 1990s, today they will dish out instructions from the touchline.
Palmer will sit on the Bucks bench for the first time in a competitive match as his side lock horns with Cosmos in a potentially gripping NFD game at the Mthatha Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).
Both coaches will be hoping their tactics yield the desired results as both sides chase a play-off spot and PSL qualification.
Both sides still have a chance of finishing third, which is a guaranteed play-off spot.
But the former Orlando Pirates striker and creative midfielder will have to get their tactics spot on.
So what do they think of one another?
“I’ve got great respect for him. He is an absolute legend,” Palmer said of the Black Prince.
“His record speaks for itself. He has the ability to promote teams. Look at what he’s produced all these years.
“I don’t think anybody else will replica what he has achieved in terms of development, scouting players, getting players abroad,” the former Maritzburg and Chippa United mentor said.
The former Bafana Bafana coach also spoke highly of Palmer.
“He’s a good coach. A well travelled coach with a lot of experience. I have high respect for him,” he said.
When the two sides met in the first round last year, Cosmos got the better of Bucks.
Are Palmer’s charges ready to avenge that loss?
“We’ve got no choice.
“The team spirit is nice and high. We are absolutely looking forward to the game,” Palmer said.
Dr Bra J said his boys were equally up to the task.
“They’re a good team. They gave us a run for our money when we beat them in Joburg, so we’re expecting a very, very tough game.”
Fifth placed Cosmos go into the game with 22 points after 15 games while Bucks are in position seven with 21 points from the same number of games.
Very little separates the sides but Amathol’amnyama should have the added advantage of the 12th man as the Bucks faithful are expected to pack the stadium.
In their four wins, nine draws and two loses, Bucks have scored 22 times and conceded 18, while the traditionally defensive Cosmos have hit the back of the net 18 times, letting in 16 goals in their six wins, five draws and four loses.
Bucks star players Mazwi “Jomo” Mncube and Sydney Masana promised this week the team would emerge victorious after 90 minutes.
The two men will be key if the home side is to get all three points today. But the team has struggled in the final third of the pitch.
Is a month enough time to get that right? All will be revealed today.
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