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Mabena carries Stars hope

Ndumiso Mabena of Stars celebrating his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Platinum Stars and MP Black Aces at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Picture Credit: Gallo Images
Ndumiso Mabena of Stars celebrating his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Platinum Stars and MP Black Aces at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Picture Credit: Gallo Images

Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson has his hopes pinned on strikers Ndumiso Mabena and Henrico Botes to start finding the back of the net for goal-shy Dikwena.

 

Johnson has bemoaned missed chances this season and requires his front men to hit the target when they face Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium in the Absa Premiership tonight (7.30pm).

Malawian midfielder Robert Ng'ambi is the only player to have found the back of the net this season with two goals in Dikwena's three matches thus far.

"We are hoping they can start scoring. They've played together in a few matches, but they are learning from one another. Henrico was in and out of the Wits team last season. We have a different strike pairing from last season and sometimes it takes time," said Johnson.

Stars were beaten 1-0 by rookies Baroka at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday, while Pirates' match against Bidvest Wits was postponed due to the unrest at Wits University.

"We gave the game away against Baroka with a stupid penalty and we missed open goals. But we did not play badly. We just could not find the back of the net," said Johnson.

"Pirates' game was postponed. They will either be fresher or lethargic because they have been off. We have prepared well and we need to fight hard to stay with the pack (at the top of the standings). We've done our homework."

Polokwane City, meanwhile, will visit Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium today (7.30pm).

City registered their first victory of the season at the weekend, beating Highlands Park in Polokwane 3-2 to climb up to seventh place on five points. Maritzburg were beaten 2-0 by Kaizer Chiefs.

"Maritzburg have lost and I know they would not want to lose two games in a row, so they will make it difficult for us," said City defender Thabiso Semenya.

"Getting our first win of the season was a confidence booster."

Fixtures (all 7.30pm)

Tonight: Pirates v Platinum Stars, Orlando; Maritzburg v Polokwane City, Harry Gwala; Highlands v CT City, Makhulong

Tomorrow: Arrows v SuperSport, Princess Magogo Stadium; FS Stars v Chiefs, James Motlatsi Stadium; Baroka v Chippa, Peter Mokaba Stadium

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