Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Jomo Cosmos are out to redeem their tarnished image at the expense of Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership match at Mehlareng Stadium tomorrow. Kickoff is at 3.30pm.

The match comes after the inconsistent Ezenkosi suffered a 0-2 defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban on Saturday. Before that match, Cosmos were in a class of their own when they hammered Moroka Swallows 3-1 at Germiston Stadium.

Andrew "Jaws of Life" Rabutla, Cosmos' manager, said they were geared up for the game and were looking forward to lifting their performance once again.

"It will be a difficult game. Celtic are one of the toughest sides but they will find us ready. We also need to start being consistent," he said.

Rabutla said they will be without Valery Nahayo, the rock-solid central defender, who collected a third yellow card on Saturday. But coach Jomo Sono is spoilt for choice in terms of getting a replacement for the Burundi international.

Cosmos have Godfrey Mahlangu and Namibia international Sydney Plaatjies capable of plugging the void caused by Nahayo's absence. Bamuza Sono left for trials in Israel on Saturday, and will miss the game.

Sello Nduna, Phunya Selesele's publicist, said they were ready to embarrass Cosmos in their own backyard.

Celtic are fresh from a 1-all draw with Thanda Royal Zulu at home on Sunday, where they squandered several scoring opportunities.

"Cosmos are a very tough side, especially after losing to Arrows at the weekend. We have ourselves to blame for not winning the game against Thanda," said Nduna.

Ezenkosi will pin their hopes on the likes of Dikgang Mabalane, Godfrey Massa and Dipsy Seloloane.

The Free Staters have quality players such as Moses Spandeel, Patrick Malokase and Ntokozo Sikhakhane.

In Atteridgeville on the same day, SuperSport United should be too strong for limping Santos at Super Stadium at 7.30pm.

United are still on cloud nine after beating struggling Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 to put more pressure on the beleaguered Gordon Igesund.

Jean-Marc Ithier, Santos coach who is expected to be replaced by Botswana's David Bright in January, is hoping for a good result.

Tomorrow's full fixtures:

Mehlareng: Cosmos v Celtic (3.30pm);

Olympia Park: Platinum Stars v Orlando Pirates (7.30pm);

Goble Park: Free State Stars v Moroka Swallows (3.30pm);

King Zwelithini: AmaZulu v Bidvest Wits (3.30pm);

Princess Magogo: Thanda Royal Zulu v Black Leopards (3pm);

Loftus: Kaizer Chiefs v Golden Arrows (7.30pm);

Super: SuperSport v Santos (7.30pm);

Athlone: Ajax Cape Town v Sundowns (7.30pm).