The PSL resumes this weekend following a two-week lay-off due to international matches.
The first shots of the re-engagement will see fourth- placed Swallows attempting to edge closer to the top of the table, despite the possibility of playing without key marksman Siyabonga Nomvethe.
The veteran striker is likely to sit the game out due to a toe injury picked up during the Dube Birds’ last fixture – a 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates – a fortnight ago. While coach Zeca Marques will bemoan the loss of last season’s top league goal-scorer, he will be delighted with the return of Lerato Chabangu from national duty.
Chabangu has been in sublime form and has been Swallows’ most valuable player this season both in the league and the MTN8. He transferred that form to Bafana Bafana in their two friendly matches against Brazil and Mozambique.
The possible loss of Nomvethe will be further softened by the form of club’s current joint top-scorer (with Nomvethe) Katlego Mashego. The new signing has netted two goals in the three league matches played so far.
The Dube Birds will be wary of what can prove to be a dangerous AmaTuks side.
“We are going into this game with good intentions. We won’t make the mistake of belittling Tuks. They are a good side and have shown unbelievable hunger and good ambition, but our approach will be no different from other games,” said Marques.
Coach Steve Barker’s AmaTuks have had an impressive start to their campaign after gaining promotion. They will look to extend their unbeaten run after two draws and one victory has them sixth on the log. AmaTuks have their own injury worries, with exciting winger Thabo Mosadi expected to miss the game with a knee injury. That is the only knock to the side and should not cause much panic for the PSL debutants. Kick-off is at 8pm.
Other Friday Fixture:
Maritzburg Utd v Free State Stars at Harry Gwala Stadium at 8pm
Saturday
Platinum Stars v Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium at 3pm
SuperSport United v AmaZulu at Peter Mokaba Stadium at 3pm
Golden Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 6pm
Kaizer Chiefs v Black Leopards at Soccer City Complex at 8:15
Sunday
Bloem Celtic v Ajax Cape Town at Free State Stadium, 3pm
Chippa United v Bidvest Wits at Athlone Stadium, 3pm
