TONIGHT'S Absa Premiership match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Lamontville Golden Arrows provides the Free Staters with another chance to tighten their grip on a top-eight place and a spot in the MTN8 competition.

TONIGHT'S Absa Premiership match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Lamontville Golden Arrows provides the Free Staters with another chance to tighten their grip on a top-eight place and a spot in the MTN8 competition.

While Celtic were caught up in the relegation battle last season, Abafana Bes'thende were riding the crest of the wave and ended up qualifying for the MTN8, which they went on to emphatically win against Ajax Cape Town.

But this season the tables have turned as Celtic are comfortably placed at sixth spot on the log, while Arrows are 12th.

Arrows' star striker Richard "Kimberley Express" Henyekane lamented the number of matches they have had to play in a short space of time, but all the teams have had to go through the same rigorous programme.

Failure to qualify for the defence of their MTN8 title will not go down well with the club's supporters.

Celtic, who have also won the top eight competition, must be happy with how the season has turned out but they will not rest on their laurels.

Coach Owen da Gama has instilled a winning mentality and most clubs have found it hard to beat them in their back yard, something Arrows hope will change.

Da Gama will be hoping that in-form attacking midfielder Patrick Malokase maintains his scoring form against Arrows, who could prove a handful for the hosts if they don't take them seriously.