No love lost in Phokeng
FOR the whole of last week, Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars were united in grief, but that will change when they take on each other tonight.
Oscar Ntwagae's death saw the teams come together to grieve over the loss of their former player. The unity showed by the two clubs in mourning their beloved son touched many supporters' heartstrings.
But tonight all that will be history as they go head to head in a Premiership match at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
Stars beat Downs 2-0 in their first-round match last season and The Brazilians got their revenge in the second round when they pipped Dinaledi 1-0.
Sundowns midfielder Lebohang "Cheeseboy" Mokoena, who jokingly said he now wants to be known as "Cheeseman" because he has grown up, said they would be trekking to Rustenburg for maximum points.
"The president (Patrice Motsepe) would like to win the league and that is what we are aiming for," Mokoena said. "We cannot afford to drop points so early in the season. What happened to Oscar was tragic and has affected us all, but we have many experienced players who have been in this situation before and know how to handle it."
Stars, who like Sundowns have a new-look technical team, will rely on former Downs stars like Thuso Phala and Derrick Spencer to put one over on the Brazilians.
Phala, who like Mokoena plays on the wing and is also very fast, rejoined Stars after a short spell with Sundowns. He had joined the Brazilians from Kaizer Chiefs in a deal that saw Josta Dladla going the opposite way to Naturena.
Stars coach Owen da Gama will be hoping he helps the club to their second league win in the new season.
Elsewhere, Lamontville Golden Arrows engage Vasco da Gama at Chatsworth Stadium at 3pm, Santos welcome Bidvest Wits to Athlone Stadium at 7.30pm and Seisa Ramabodu will be the venue for Bloemfonten Celtic and AmaZulu's clash, also at 7.30pm.
