Sekhukhune United will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership when they face Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Thursday.
Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
Babina Noko are on cloud nine after they progressed to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage following a 1-1 draw with St Eloi Lupopo on Sunday, but they are winless in their last two competitive matches.
Sekhukhune, who 2-1 lost to Kaizer Chiefs in a DStv Premiership encounter before they took on Lupopo, are placed eighth on the league standings and they will looking to cement their spot in the top eight with a win over Arrows.
Meanwhile, Arrows are in good form at the moment as they are enjoying a four-match unbeaten run in the league - including a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Cape Town Spurs in their most recent match.
Abafana Bes'thende are occupying the second spot on the DStv Premiership standings - 10 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and they will looking to consolidate their position with a win over Sekhukhune.
TEAM NEWS
Neither Sekhukhune or Arrows have any suspension concerns coming into this encounter.
However, Babina Noko will be without their club captain Linda Mntambo who is nursing a long-term injury.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter
This game will challenge us mentally and physically, but I'm sure the boys are up for it. I'm positive we'll get the result at home."
Golden Arrows head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza
“It's important for us to get a grip as quickly as possible. Last season was very, very difficult for us. We only managed to escape relegation in the last three games," Khenyeza said after their win over Spurs.
“We’ve also changed a lot of other things, especially our preparations. And then the style of play because we can't be a team which is going to just play around and look good, but we're not productive and effective.
“That's why in our recruitment we’ve signed two big strikers when the team in the past was known for short, nippy strikers, but football is changing as you can see globally.”
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tiklas Thutlwa: The former Black Leopards striker will brimming with confidence after scoring his first goal for Sekhukhune against Lupopo and he will be eager to find the back of the net once again.
Chibuike Ohizu: Babina Noko will pin their hopes of defeating Arrows on their star attacker who has four goal contributions in the league this season - three goals and one assist which came against Chiefs.
GOLDEN ARROWS: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nduduzi Sibiya: Abafana Bes'thende will look to the skillful playmaker to create goals when they face Sekhukhune as he has provided the joint most assists (three) in the DStv Premiership this season.
Lungelo Nguse: The 24-year-old striker grabbed Arrows' winning goal against Spurs - his third goal of the season - and he will be looking to play an important role in helping his side secure a win in Polokwane.
