Classic face stern test against Pirates

Survival is their modest target, but Tembisa Classic could catapult themselves to among the top three on the Premier Soccer League chart when they host Orlando Pirates at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night.

The league rookies could go as high as second place if defending champions Kaizer Chiefs slip up against Black Leopards in the early match, and Sundowns suffer a similar set-back when they face Dynamos in the other night game.

Whatever the result, the unbeaten Buccaneers will provide what could be the stiffest competition Classic have yet tasted in the top flight. Action involving the other up-country giants should spur Pirates to maintain top form, because the slightest hiccup could see them overtaken.

Classic fared poorly in their first match in Durban last week when Lamontville Golden Arrows humbled them 2-0 in Umlazi. Playing under lights at a different venue, and on the back of a strong home win at the weekend, Classic will hope for a better return on this visit.

Defender Onismor Bhasera, midfielders Thapelo Mngomezulu and David Makgale, and striker Obinna Okafor were absent against Leopards, primarily to rest them for the Pirates challenge, said Classic Chairman Farouk Kadodia. Otherwise Classic are not even affected by suspensions, allowing coach Trott Moloto to select anyone.

Regardless of who takes to the field, Classic will need to dish out more than their usual workmanlike team effort and discipline if they are to wrest at least a point out of the clash. A draw would even lift Classic one spot above neighbours Arrows to fifth.

The home side have also arranged to bus supporters in from the KwaZulu-Natal capital to boost their on-field effort. Interested travellers can phone Classic official Joe Nkosi on 082 253 1801 to book a seat on the bus that is set to leave Market Square at 5pm.

Title-hungry Pirates could also be closer to a full-strength line-up if midfielder Steve Lekoelea and defender Edward Malinga shake off niggling injuries.

PSL fixtures

Wednesday:

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Dynamos (Loftus, 8pm),

Kaizer Chiefs vs Black Leopards (FNB, 4pm),

Tembisa Classic vs Orlando Pirates (Chatsworth, 7.30pm)

Coca-Cola Cup

Wednesday: Santos vs Moroka Swallows (Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm),

Silver Stars vs Jomo Cosmos (Peter Mokaba, 8pm)

Saturday:

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Lamontville Golden Arrows (Loftus, 3.15pm),

Ajax Cape Town vs Bush Bucks (Green Point, 8pm)

Sunday:

Orlando Pirates vs Black Leopards (Ellis Park, 3.15pm)