Relegation-threatened Highlands coach Igesund pinning survival hopes on Zambian ace Mbesuma

Gordon Igesund hopes a gentler run of fixtures‚ several new signings and the imminent return of star striker Collins Mbesuma from injury can spur Highlands Park in their survival bid this season.

Relegation-threatened Highlands face a crucial away Absa Premiership clash at Free State Stars on Sunday against the side one place above them in the league table.

Igesund’s team could move to within a point of Stars with a victory‚ but conversely could drop seven points back with a defeat on the small Goble Park pitch.

After a run of losses against top sides Cape Town City‚ Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United‚ around a draw at Polokwane City‚ Highlands now have games against teams in the bottom half of the table coming up.

“Those three games were very tough and we lost against Chiefs and SuperSport by the odd goal when we deserved more from the games‚” Igesund told Times Media Digital.

“But the positives to come out of those games were the fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude of the players.

"They gave everything they had.

"The mood in the camp is still really good.

“I have been in this position before and you can see when a team is bubbling and really up for it.

"That is what I see from my players.

“Now we play teams that are from positions seven down in the log and that gives us a lot of hope‚ though we know these games will still be very tough.”

Igesund has the Brazilian defender Pedro De Amorim available after he received his work permit‚ but the coach says he will not make changes at the back for the sake of it.

“I think defensively we have done well - Chris [Katjiukua]‚ Eddie [Ngalo]‚ Siya [Nhlapo] and Ayo [Oluwafemi] have looked good.

"But Pedro could come in depending on how we want to play on the day.”

Stars also announced the signings this week of former Bloemfontein Celtic and Platinum Stars midfielder Lebo Ramolesa‚ and ex-Chippa United defender Chris Komane‚ who Igesund says will add competition in the squad.

“When I arrived at the team they had four defender and there was very little cover at the back.

"Now we have good competition‚ everybody is pushing hard to start and that creates a good environment.”

Zambian forward Mbesuma has started training again this week‚ but Igesund feels he is still a fortnight away from playing.

“With Collins I just want him to feel the ball at his feet again‚ get his movement right and confidence following a severe injury.

"But I think he is still two weeks away from playing.” - TMG Digital