Rangers out to move up

By Kamlesh Gosai

Manning Rangers can climb back into second spot on the log when they kick off a three-match home run against Ria Stars at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night (8pm).

Home ground advantage could be just what the Mighty Maulers need to get back into championship contention following their 2-0 loss away to Wits University last week.

After the unpredictable Stars, Ajax Cape Town visit Chatsworth on Monday, followed by fast-improving Sundowns the following Friday (December 14). Stars have already tasted defeat at Chatsworth, falling 2-1 to Rangers in the Coca-Cola Cup in September. That encounter was a tight affair with the sides separated by a goal from defender Bradley Muir.

Stars enjoyed better midfield possession but their finishing was poor. Since then they have recruited former Ajax Cape Town striker Xolani Jalivane. He has yet to score for the club but boasts experience in Europe with Maltese side Birkirkara earlier this season. Attacking midfielder Mark McVeigh could also feature after missing the first visit.

This time Rangers will offer stronger midfield resistance. In the cup match captain Sipho Ndzuzo's anchor role in the middle was absent because he was fielded in defence. Stars midfielders Elasto Lungu and Frank Makua enjoyed free rein against Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Pogisho Mokotjo but they will have less space against Ndzuzo.

The Rangers backline will be without suspended right-back Nkhiphitheni Matombo, and Mark Davies is likely to come in for the former Under-23 international.

Davies and Democratic Republic of Congo defender Liswa Nduti will be kept busy on the flanks because that is where Stars have been dangerous. Most of their goals have come from the powerful runs of Joel Seroba on the right and Jacob Machaka on the left.

Former Rangers coach Shepherd Murape has a full squad to select from, said Stars general manager Junior Ramosi.