Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

Sedibeng residents who have been starved of top flight football since the demise of the once-feared Vaal Professionals, are in for a treat when Jomo Cosmos host FC AK at the upgraded George Thabe Stadium on Saturday.

The inland stream encounter that features two teams at opposite ends of the table, will kick off at 3.30pm.

This fixture is one of the many signaling the resumption of the inland and coastal streams after a six-week break.

Initially, the game between Cosmos and FC AK was earmarked to take place at the Vaal University of Technology sports ground but it was changed after it was discovered that Vaal has been booked for rugby activities on the same day.

With three games left before the season ends, Ezenkosi will be looking to consolidate their lead at the expense of their Gauteng neighbours Bahumi, who lost several players due to financial constraints. FC AK also need maximum points to ease their relegation woes.

Andrew Rabutla, Cosmos manager said during the break they played a number of friendly matches against local teams and those in neighbouring countries to keep the momentum going.

"The mood is very good in our camp and all the players are focused on the task ahead," he said.

"We will take each game as it comes. We know the last three games are going to be tough, but we are prepared for everything and our aim is to make sure we collect maximum points in all the games left."

Except for their influential midfielder Bamuza Sono, who will be serving a one-match suspension, Cosmos report no other injuries or suspensions.

George Thabe Stadium has not been used since 2006 after it was closed for upgrades by the Gauteng provincial government.

It will be the second time the stadium will be hosting a high- profile event after hosting the Under-17 Human Rights Intercontinental Football Tournament on March 13 to 15.