Marumo and young Sono hold the key

Hareaipha "Simba" Marumo and Bhamuza Sono are players with contrasting styles, yet capable of lighting up Sunday's crunch BP Top Eight Cup semifinal between Sundowns and Jomo Cosmos at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.

There is never a dull moment when Cosmos line up against Sundowns as both are exponents of attacking football.

After biting his nails in frustration from the sidelines in the past two weeks, Marumo's registration went through this week and the stockily built player will be available for selection, giving coach Ted Dumitru an added attacking option.

Marumo's strength is his pace, lovely control and appetite for goals.

A firm believer in taking a shot at goals whenever the opportunity presents itself, he has the knack to position himself in the right place at the right time.

But, with Sundowns trying to adjust to life without Raphael Chukwu, Daniel Mudau - still not yet back to full fitness after undergoing a groin operation - and Alton Meiring and Carlo Scott firing blanks, a lot may depend on Marumo on Sunday.

Marumo, according to captain Mudau, is not simply a hard worker, but he stays behind after the rest of his teammates have left and practises his shooting with both legs.

Said Mudau: "He has developed a remarkable awareness regarding his surroundings (when on the ball) and his finishing has has improved to the point where he's deadly."

But Sundowns must first neutralise the Sono dynasty in the form of the third generation Sono - son of legendary Jomo - who almost single-handedly destroyed Santos in the quarterfinals in Rustenburg last week.

The grandson of the late Eric "Scara" Sono has finally emerged from his father's shadow. Last week Bhamuza proved he no longer needs Jomo's baby-sitting.

While Sono senior was a swaggering braggart with a flashy style in his playing days, Bhamuza is the silent assassin, going about his duties in a no-frills, yet effective way.

- A few PSL Castle League matches take place over the weekend, with a double-header programme at the Greenpoint Stadium on saturday where Santos play Free State Stars (3pm) while Hellenic meet Black Leopards (5pm).

On Sunday, Moroka Swallows tackle Manning Rangers at Rand Stadium while Ria Stars host AmaZulu at the Pietersburg Stadium (both 3pm).