Highlands Park coach Alan Freese has said that he looks forward to seeing some of his young players do well in their upcoming Round of 32 Nedbank Cup clash against Sekhukhune United at the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Highlands Park, who ply their trade in the ABC Motsepe League Gauteng Province stream, head into their next game in a rich vein of form.
Over the course of their last five matches, dating back to the 31st of January 2023, Highlands Park recorded victories against M Tigers (1-0), Senaoane Gunners (3-1) and Soweto Super United (1-0).
Alan Freese and company also recorded two goalless draws against Pele Pele FC and Africa All Stars during this period.
As it stands, Highlands Park occupy sixth place on the ABC Motsepe League Gauteng table.
Babina Noko, on the other hand, have been struggling to find positive form in the last couple of months, particularly toward the back end of last year.
While Sekhukhune recorded a 3-1 win over Richards Bay in the DStv Premiership last time out, Lehlohonolo Seema’s side suffered two defeats, while recording two stalemates in four matches across the board.
As a result of their inconsistent run in the league, Sekhukhune currently sit in 11th place on the DStv Premiership log.
️ 🚨 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 🚨
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) February 19, 2024
🏆 #NedbankCup Round of 32
🆚Highlands Park
🗓 Wednesday, 21 February 2024
🏟 Dobsonville Stadium
🕒 19:00
📺 SS Channel 202 and SABC Sport
🎟️You can also purchase your ticket online via https://t.co/pivJv8npvC R40 Each#Adibahlabe pic.twitter.com/zzkJWHb2N6
WHAT WAS SAID
“We played hard to get here,” Highland Park coach Alan Freese said as they prepare for another go in the Nedbank Cup.
“Out of all the 32 teams, I think we played the most games to get to where we are. Playoffs in the ABC Motsepe first, playoffs with the provincial games also, so it was quite a journey to get here and I’m happy to be here.
“First time for some of our young boys that are playing, which will be good for them. We hope to do well but hope also for the young boys to get exposure.”
“He was missed a lot in the club. Credit must go to the medical team, the conditioning and fitness guys worked with him,” Babina Noko coach Lehlohonolo Seema said regarding Linda Mntambo’s return to action.
“The club was patient with him, he is not 100 per cent (fit), but we are happy to have him back. He is an important member of the club. He is the glue in the team, he is an important guy in the dressing room.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Highlands Park: Tapuwa Kapini – Following his return to the club in October 2023, the 39-year-old has been an important figure for Highlands Park this season. Boasting the second-most clean sheets in the league so far (2), Kapini also comes with bags of experience in South African football, which will no doubt be useful during sticky spells of the match.
Sekhukhune United: Linda Mntambo – With Seema upbeat over Mntambo’s return, the robust midfielder could look to the upcoming tie to kickstart his campaign fully. Mntambo will be tasked to guard his backline, especially when facing a Highlands Park outfit who have been positive in front of goal recently.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Highlands Park and Sekhukhune United will meet for the first time on Wednesday evening.
