Highbury ready for repeat win

HIGHBURY are hoping that lightning will strike twice when they take on Tembu Royals in a home ABC Motsepe League match at the Gelvandale Stadium tonight at 7pm.

The Port Elizabeth side beat Royals 2-1 at the Rotary Stadium in Mthatha in the first round of the league, and will be looking for a repeat.

All 16 teams affiliated to the league will kick off their second-round games this weekend.

Third-placed Highbury finished the first round of the league tied on 32 points with Royals in second position and log-leaders Angavu Stars, but the top two teams are leading on goal difference.

Highbury coach Garth Dickinson said his team was ready for the final round of the season and that there was no team that could stand in their way of clinching the top-ofthe-table position.

"Our work will have to start now by beating Royals and the boys are confident that they will collect maximum points from this game.

"We've done so well in the previous round but we need to collect more points in our games and move away from the pack."

Dickinson said the team would never underestimate any opposition, but his players were determined to win their games.

"Our concern is Angavu Stars because they are currently doing very well with their campaign and they have been so consistent – but football is unpredictable.

"We are ready for Royals and the spirit is very high in the camp." Dickinson said they were still to decided on the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Real City will play Matta Milan at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell tomorrow at 5pm.

The home side were crushed 5-2 by Milan when the teams met for the first round of the league at the Ngumbela grounds in Dutywa.

City are currently in 10th position on the log with 18 points from 15 games, while ninthplaced Milan have 21 points from the same number of games.

City coach Bonke Namba said the game would be tough and hence they would not be giving the visitors any breathing space.

"They beat us for the first time in their own backyard but now it is our turn to do the same.

"This is a do-or-die final round of the league and our mission is to push ourselves to the top eight position by the end of the season."

Bonke said the players had adopted the culture of the league and they would avoid being defeated at home.

Morning Stars will test the strength of neighbours Jeffreys Bay Milan at the Jeffreys Bay sports field tomorrow at 3pm.

The sides clash for the second time this season after the Kwazakhele-based outfit collected three points in their first encounter at the Zwide Stadium.

Stars' coach Siyabulela Isaac said they performed badly in the first round but would be treating each and every second-round game as a final match.

"We need to collect points and history will repeat itself in the Jeffreys Bay Milan match tomorrow." -