Our clashes with Jomo Cosmos have always been filled with drama and excitement. In Durban this afternoon, the match carries interesting features considering our spate of five consecutive victories in the same venue.

In retrospect our demolishing of Bloemfontein Celtics in the last league match at the same stadium gives us a credible edge against our opponents this afternoon.

Whilst getting ready, our start to the season has not been all that perfect considering the number of casualties we have in our squad. The absence of Emile Baron in our rear guard puts immense pressure on our team.

Our young sensation, Mandla Masango would be unavailable for the next two weeks following a concussion he suffered during our mid-week practise session. Our striking force has yet to see Obua and Motaung, whilst our youngster Tshepo Bulu has to sit out the length of the season following an injury to his Achilles muscle.

Amidst these challenges, I do trust that our Technical Team would utilise the available arsenal to withstand the tough Jomo Cosmos. Looking ahead, we hope to return from ABSA with maximum points to retain the venue as our happy hunting haven when we engage Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns in the future.

BAFANA BAFANA

It was encouraging to notice a vast improvement in our National Team following their sterling performance against Scotland recently. This was one outing that could have given us victory against a European nation had we taken our opportunities to the maximum. Losing Sibusiso Zuma early in the match was obviously a major blow but the remaining lads proved that there is something good from the work of Carlos Alberto Parreira and the rest of his Technical Team.

Looking at the many unconverted chances, there is no doubt that Bennie McCarthy’s absence continues to rob us a chance of claiming victory when it matters most. A win against Scotland could have been a historical first since our readmission into international competition.

The challenge therefore remains with those in authority to resolve any challenge that prevents Bennie from hoisting our national colours to represent his country. After all his mettle should come to fruit if he can find welcome in the incumbent 2010 world spectacle we are hosting.

U/23

Our National Under 23 squad once more succumbed to their Nigerian counterpart when they drew in Rustenburg to further pressurise their chances of an Olympic experience in Beijing the following year. Otherwise I am still certain that our lads would work very hard to be at the Olympics. As for us at Amakhosi, we are excited that our very own Itumeleng Khune is part of our national dream to participate in Beijing.

CONDOLENCES TO ROZZETTA NKUTHA

This weekend we lay to rest Rozzetta Nkutha, a woman I have known and respected as a friend and partner to my former colleague, Ewert The Lip Nene. Sis Rose was indeed a true mother whose house was used as our former club house back in the formative years of the Amakhosi. May she rest in peace.

Kaizer Motaung (Mr)

Managing Director