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free state derby war

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - 2 May 2005, Moses Spandeel during the PSL match between Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg , South Africa.Photo Credit : © Lee Warren \ Gallo Images
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - 2 May 2005, Moses Spandeel during the PSL match between Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg , South Africa.Photo Credit : © Lee Warren \ Gallo Images

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Bloemfontein Celtic have to beat Free State Stars to secure their Premiership status without having to depend on favours from elsewhere.

The two sides meet at 3pm on Sunday in the much-vaunted Free State derby, which is bound to divide the entire province.

Relations between the top brass of the two Free State sides are known to be icy.

Not even attempts by political heavyweights in Free State have succeeded in bringing the bosses of the two clubs under one umbrella.

It is against this background that there will be no favours when their teams battle it out at Free State Stadium, a game which will mark the end of the 2008-2009 season.

"Who saved us when we were relegated to the National First Division League in 2005-2006 season," asked Rantsi Mokoena, Stars brand manager. "There are no favours in soccer, we also want to finish the season in a respectable position and will give it our best shot.

"We have had a great season with Steve Komphela and Themba Sithole in charge of the technical staff and want to end it with a bang by winning Sunday's derby."

Sello Nduna, Celtic's communications manager, said: "It's the big one, Sunday is the day where we need Siwelele in big numbers to support the team. We are going to put up a big fight."

Phunya SeleSele are fresh from a 3-0 win over relegated Bay United on Wednesday, while Stars drew 1-1 with Maritzburg United.

In that game, Ea Lla Koto rested some of their regular players like Sthembiso Ngcobo and Siyabonga Mdluli, who will be back on Sunday.

Prince Olomu and Jonathan Mensah are back from suspension.

Celtic have seasoned players such as Patrick Malokase and Moses Spandeel.

If Celtic win the derby, Thanda Royal Zulu will participate in the Platinum play-offs as the club finishing 15th in the Premiership.

Royal take on Maritzburg United tomorrow at Mpumalanga Stadium where striker Sibusiso Hadebe is confident of a win, hoping the derby results will also favour them. Royal eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 win over Platinum Stars on Wednesday night.

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