Highbury not about to lose

HIGHBURY will be on a mission to claim the No 1 spot on the table when they clash against neighbours Cacadu United in an Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League match in Alexandria tomorrow (3pm).

The high-flying Port Elizabeth side's coach, Garth Dickinson, has vowed to increase United's league woes by whipping them again, this time in their own back yard.

Second-placed Highbury remain near the top of the table in pursuit of log-leaders Angavu Stars, of Queenstown.

Both Highbury and Stars share 57 points from 26 games but Stars are leading on goal difference, hence Dickinson's charges need a victory against United to clinch the top position.

Highbury are high in sprits after beating Morning Stars 1-0 in last weekend's league clash.

There are only four league games remaining before the end of the season and all 16 teams campaigning in the provincial ABC Motsepe League are determined to collect maximum points to better their position on the standings.

The top teams are fighting to qualify for the National First Division (NFD) promotion playoffs, while the bottom teams wants to avoid relegation.

Dickinson said their target was to win the league title race by the end of the season.

"We want to maintain our winning momentum and ensure we win the last remaining matches.

We understand United's situation, but there is no way we will allow them to bounce back at our expense."

Meanwhile another Port Elizabeth semiprofessional outfit, Real City, will play against Kokstad Liverpool in another Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League match at the Kokstad Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

The Motherwell side's coach, Bonke Namba, said they expected a tough game against Liverpool because both teams would be battling for a better position.

"They are ahead of us on the league table but our aim is to fight for a spot inside the top eight bracket," he said.

"This is a crucial stage of the league and there's no team that wants to throw away points, hence we will do our best to collect the maximum points."

Namba said his troops were ready for the battle and he was happy with the team's position on the log standings.

Morning Stars will host Red Stars in another provincial ABC Motsepe League match at the Zwide Stadium today (7pm). - Mthetho Ndoni