Matome Lebea

Matome Lebea

African Warriors vowed to take the National First Division Coastal Stream by storm, starting with Nathi Lions who they host today.

The two sides meet at Charles Mopedi Stadium in Phuthaditjhaba at 8pm.

Today's match will pit the experienced Warriors against Lions' youngsters.

Warriors will rely on the likes of Lesotho international Lebajwa Mpungwa, James Mokoena, Shawn Oliver and Desmond Chauke, in the absence of the injured Abram Nteo, Thiyekile Gulwa and Tumana Khosholo.

"We have done enough preparations for this season and we will not allow Lions to disturb us on our way to the top," Morena Ramorebodi, Warriors' spokesman said.

It won't be a surprise if Warriors took the stream by storm as they did last season in their maiden appearance in the Inland Stream.

Amabhubesi, as Lions are known, will rely heavily on youngsters like Khaya Makhaya, Shaldon Gregory, Gift Zungu and Mduduzi Nxele.

Lions' advantage will be in their experienced coach, Kenny Ndlazi, who steered Mpumalanga Black Aces to the final of the Nedbank Cup last season.

He also led Aces to three victories over Warriors last season.

"We will not rely on individual players as we have confidence in all the youngsters and their mentor, Kenny. We are ready to beat them, come Friday we will be celebrating," Joshua Ndwandwe, Lions' team manager told Sowetan yesterday.

Fixtures:

Coastal Stream:

Today - Durban Stars v Ikapa Sporting (King Zwelithini, 7pm); Warriors v Lions (Charles Mopeli, 8pm); Hanover v Vasco da Gama (Vygieskraal, 8pm);

FC Cape Town v Carara Kicks (Blue Downs, 8pm).

Inland Stream:

Today - Pretoria University v Aces (LC de Villiers, 8pm)

Sunday - FC AK v Black Leopards (Eldorado Park, 3pm); Witbank Spurs v Jomo Cosmos (Ackerville, 3pm); Winners Park v Dynamos (Seshego, 3pm).