When two giants meet, one must fall, and this is expected to be the case as Tornado FC lock horns with Future Tigers in an ABC Motsepe League EL derby at the Jan Smuts Stadium this afternoon.
It is Tigers who should be concerned though, after having lost two of their previous matches.
Third-placed Mdantsane outfit – Tornado – are the favourites coming into this big one.
They have found the back of the net nine times in just two outings, which can only be a sign of a mean attack in store.
In six games thus far in the 2015-16 campaign, Tornado have scored 14 goals, while conceding eight.
Their opponents, however, have only scored seven times, with six netted against them.
Tornado head coach and former FC Twente midfielder Thobela Bikwani does not want to read much into statistics.
“Whichever teams take their chances will win the match – that is the best prediction I have,” said Bikwani.
But he made one thing clear – his side is not settling for anything less than three points.
“We are ready for this derby, I can tell you that much, and we could not have asked for any other day because we are at our peak right now.
“Our approach is full attack with no intention of sitting back because maximum points is top priority.”
Bikwani’s counterpart, Tigers mentor Xolisa Zenzile, was brimming with confidence that today’s match will be their perfect platform to restore their pride following their two successive losses.
“I have got one thing I can guarantee our supporters about this match, three points is ours,” said Zenzile.
But playing high-scoring opponents and not having collected many goals, how will the three points come about?
“We are a very offensive side but our lack of scoring has just been a stage thing but this match we will not lose.”
A lot is at stake for Tigers, having already lost one derby match against FC Buffalo last week.
Another defeat today would brand them the weakest of the EL trio, which also includes Buffalo FC and Tornado.
“Our pride was dented by the loss to Buffalo, now is the time to restore it and we just cannot afford three losses in a row.
“The only team that will beat us is ourselves, not anyone else.”
However, if Tigers continue playing in the middle of the park, where Stanley McIntyre is often running a one-man show, Tornado are sure to punish them.
The match is unlikely to produce many goals, which is often the case in derbies, as both sides are likely to employ a cautious approach at the back to avoid a drubbing.
A win for Tornado takes them to second place on the standings, equal on points with league toppers FC Elliot, who will remain on the summit courtesy of their extremely superior goal difference.
All eyes will be on Bikwani on the bench, with many eager to see whether he is as gifted in coaching as he was during his playing days when he plied his trade in Europe in the early 2000s.
As with any other derby match, bragging rights are the bottom line, and this contest is no different, with both teams expected to give their all to emerge as victors.
Tornado out for full-scale damage to flailing Tigers
It is Tigers who should be concerned though, after having lost two of their previous matches.
Third-placed Mdantsane outfit – Tornado – are the favourites coming into this big one.
They have found the back of the net nine times in just two outings, which can only be a sign of a mean attack in store.
In six games thus far in the 2015-16 campaign, Tornado have scored 14 goals, while conceding eight.
Their opponents, however, have only scored seven times, with six netted against them.
Tornado head coach and former FC Twente midfielder Thobela Bikwani does not want to read much into statistics.
“Whichever teams take their chances will win the match – that is the best prediction I have,” said Bikwani.
But he made one thing clear – his side is not settling for anything less than three points.
“We are ready for this derby, I can tell you that much, and we could not have asked for any other day because we are at our peak right now.
“Our approach is full attack with no intention of sitting back because maximum points is top priority.”
Bikwani’s counterpart, Tigers mentor Xolisa Zenzile, was brimming with confidence that today’s match will be their perfect platform to restore their pride following their two successive losses.
“I have got one thing I can guarantee our supporters about this match, three points is ours,” said Zenzile.
But playing high-scoring opponents and not having collected many goals, how will the three points come about?
“We are a very offensive side but our lack of scoring has just been a stage thing but this match we will not lose.”
A lot is at stake for Tigers, having already lost one derby match against FC Buffalo last week.
Another defeat today would brand them the weakest of the EL trio, which also includes Buffalo FC and Tornado.
“Our pride was dented by the loss to Buffalo, now is the time to restore it and we just cannot afford three losses in a row.
“The only team that will beat us is ourselves, not anyone else.”
However, if Tigers continue playing in the middle of the park, where Stanley McIntyre is often running a one-man show, Tornado are sure to punish them.
The match is unlikely to produce many goals, which is often the case in derbies, as both sides are likely to employ a cautious approach at the back to avoid a drubbing.
A win for Tornado takes them to second place on the standings, equal on points with league toppers FC Elliot, who will remain on the summit courtesy of their extremely superior goal difference.
All eyes will be on Bikwani on the bench, with many eager to see whether he is as gifted in coaching as he was during his playing days when he plied his trade in Europe in the early 2000s.
As with any other derby match, bragging rights are the bottom line, and this contest is no different, with both teams expected to give their all to emerge as victors.
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