Bucks out to rid themselves of Chiefs jinx

Bush Bucks' trek from Umtata's Independence Stadium to Absa Park in East London has generally been seen as a bad move.

This mainly because it is believed that Bucks have lost the psychological edge they used to have over opponents when playing on the cabbage patch that was the Independence's pitch.

For their matches against Kaizer Chiefs, however, it would seem Bucks did well to change base.

While many a side have returned from the Independence empty-handed, Chiefs have never lost away to Bucks in a league match since the formation of the Premiership mid-1996.

It is thus understandable that the Imbabala should approach Wednesday afternoon's league clash with the Amakhosi with some optimism.

But if they are to grab their first maximum points of the season, Bucks will have to call on the competitive spirit that saw them win all their away games against the big three (Chiefs, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates) last season.

Conti Kubheka's side are yet to win after four matches, with their only point coming from the goalless draw with Ajax Cape Town.

That they were beaten 2-1 by Wits University - a side that went down 1-0 to Chiefs - in their only home game, is likely to give the Amakhosi, who have won both their league games, more confidence.

Not that Muhsin Ertugral's men need anything to boost their morale as the weekend's BP Top Eight success is sure to have them feeling they can win any match.

But with Chiefs facing a crucial Caf assignment at the weekend - they play Egypt's Ismailia in the Cup Winners Cup quarterfinal on Sunday - Bucks could well face a second-string Amakhosi side.

Ertugral has hinted at resting key players and this could see youngster Thabiso Malatsi making his league debut.

Described as "better than Jabu Pule" by Ertugral, Malatsi played in the 1-0 pre-season friendly against Bucks - ironically at the same venue (Absa Stadium) and reportedly had a good game.

Another player who can get a run is defender Rodney Thobejane, who joined from Ria Stars.

In another match on Wednesday night Santos host neighbours Hellenic at Greenpoint aiming to erase the pain of Sunday's 2-1 loss to Moroka Swallows.

Touted by some as potential championship winners following their Bob Save Super Bowl success last season, the People's Team are yet to show that potential.

Hellenic have not lit up the stage either and only got their first point in the weekend's 2-2 draw with SuperSport United.