Callies still in with a chance, says coach

CALLIES and Lion City clash at the Westbourne Oval tomorrow in a match that could go a long way towards deciding who will feature in the race for honours in the Safa-NMB SAB League this season.

After finishing in the top three last year behind Subs and City, Callies are having a poor season by their standards. After eight matches, they are lying sixth, nine points behind log-leaders Young Ideas and seven behind second-placed City.

However, Callies coach Monier Saffodien has not written off their chances.

"We brought in a number of players at the beginning of the year and they are taking time to settle in, " Saffodien said.

"It is a long way to go [to the end of the season] and we can make up lost ground.

"A number of teams are in with a shout and the league race is not cut and dried yet. We will be there at the finish."

City boss Ngubo Biyana is also not taking the match lightly.

"Callies are a good team despite their poor run of form so far and we have to be at our best to beat them," he said.

In the late match at the Oval, Central Acemates play Ikamva Movers.

They should pick up maximum points despite Movers' 2-1 win over Camper United last week.

Log-leaders Young Ideas will not find it easy when they play Ghetto Stars at the NU9 Stadium in Motherwell. With a match in hand, Stars are 10 points behind Ideas.

All matches start at 3pm unless stated.

The fixtures are:

Callies v Lion City (1pm, Westbourne Oval), Camper United v Island City (NU9 Stadium), Central Acemates v Ikamva Movers (Westbourne Oval), Despatch Pioneers v Hotspurs (Khayamnandi Stadium), Fairview Rovers v Highlands Spurs (Saints), Royal Bucks (1pm, NU9 Stadium), Showvillage United v Motherwell Academy (11.15am, NU9 Stadium), Young Ideas v Ghetto Stars (9.30am, NU 9 Stadium). - Mogan Segadavan