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Baroka host Rise and Shine in must-win Polokwane derby

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Rodney Ramagalela (Gallo Images)
Rodney Ramagalela (Gallo Images)

Cape Town - Baroka FC will welcome cross town rivals Polokwane City in a classic Woza Nazo clash in the Absa Premiership on Saturday afternoon at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele are looking for a win at home after their 0-0 draw against Chippa United at home last weekend.

The hosts are experiencing a dry spell when it comes to wins in the league as they last won against Platinum Stars in the Nedbank Cup last 32 a fortnight ago.

Prior to that Ke Yona encounter, they lost 2-0 to Free State Stars away at Goble Park and are now desperate to return to winning ways in the league.

Sitting eighth on the log table with 27 points from 21 league games pushes McDonald Makhubedu's men to go all out.

Looking at the visiting cross town rivals, Rise and Shine have an assignment ahead of them to erase the pain of losing a teammate.

City did not play last weekend as they mourned the passing of Mogau Tsehla, who died in a car accident.

Coach Bernard Molekwa will hope to see a better performance from his troops after playing to two draws against Ajax Cape Town and AmaZulu.

City are desperate for a win as they occupy the 14th spot with 22 points from 21 matches.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

All LEAGUE RESULTS

(Under season, result and scorers)

2017/18 Polokwane 0-0 Baroka

2016/17 Baroka 2-2 Polokwane Munetsi, Lietsisa; Ramagalela, Tlolane

2016/17 Polokwane 0-0 Baroka

What the teams are saying…

Baroka FC coach McDonald Makhubedu: "I expect a challenging match against our big brothers and I hope this lives up to a derby as far as expectations are concerned," said Makhubedu.

"We have to perform well on the day because we have to win for the fans, they expect a good game of football and we have to deliver.

"Luckily we have a clean bill of health and the mission is to use that to our advantage, and bag the full three points.

"We respect them as our big brothers, but in football, there is no brotherhood because we have to win.

"We will not let them get the full three points without a win, let them sweat blood for it."

Polokwane City coach Bernard Molekwa: "We had our preparations for this match, it’s a tough game considering the status it has in the province," said Molekwa.

"Derbies are always packed with emotions, good football and the drive to win from both sides. Ours is to do well on match day.

"The mood is good, as you know we just lost one of our players last week, I told the boys we have to win it for him.

"He (Tsehla) was a good boy for us, and deserves a win in honour of his hard work. We want to treat the game with respect and ensure we convert our chances, we know they play good football.

"Baroka are doing well and it will depend on who wants it more at the end of the day."

Key players for Baroka FC

Matome Kgoetyane: The right back has to close all the channels for the opponent and ensure he converts defending into attack. His experience in the top-flight will also help the side as they hope to reach the top eight for the first time.

Letladi Madubanya: Under his guidance as skipper, the club is yet to lose in two matches and he will provide steel in the heart of the park. With Olaleng Shaku's absence, Madubanya will want to make the armband his own.

Key players for Polokwane City

Thabiso Semenya:The hard running and experienced defender has to provide some leadership in the team as they are fresh from a mourning period. His experience to lead the team will be key as they want to remain in the elite division.

Walter Musona: Musona is the man to provide all the answers when it comes to attack upfront. His eye for goal and ability to make runs will come in handy in the derby.

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