Polokwane City will enter last chance saloon when they play host to Highlands Park at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in what could prove to a pivotal moment in their quest to avoid relegation from the Absa Premiership on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT.
Rise and Shine suffered a third successive league defeat when they were beaten 2-0 at SuperSport United earlier this week, a result which dropped them to the bottom of the log standings with four games remaining.
Despite the result in that match and their 3-2 loss to Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus last weekend, Polokwane head coach Clinton Larsen is happy with what he's seen from his players in the bio-bubble.
"We have fond memories of our last game at Loftus versus Chiefs, it is a beautiful pitch, it suits the way we play and we will go out there again and try and dominate the game. That is what we have got to do, we have to go out there and create chances, and put the opposition under pressure," said Larsen.
"There is still a long way to go, we keep saying that we have got to win the next one but we are running out of games now. The next one versus Highlands Park is do-or-die."
The Lions of the North saw their winless run in the league extended to five matches when they were held 0-0 at Chippa United. With four games remaining, their hopes of a top eight finish remain very much alive.
"It was a war out there, Chippa United are not an easy team to play. We were fighting tooth and nail put the ball just wouldn't fall our way," said Highlands Park head coach Owen da Gama.
"It just wasn't our day, we gave it our best shot and we will keep on trying as we now shift focus to our next game."
When the teams met earlier this season, at Makhulong Stadium in September 2019, Highlands claimed a 2-0 win (their first in the rivalry) thanks to goals from Mothobi Mvala and Peter Shalulile.
Players to watch:
Polokwane City
Jabulani Maluleke: The veteran midfielder continues to form an integral part of the Rise and Shine team and will be key in their push for survival. His quality on the ball is still second to none and he remains one of the best set-piece takers in the country.
George Chigova: The Zimbabwean returned to the staring eleven for their most recent match, but failed to make the desired impact as Rise and Shine fell to another defeat. Larsen will be counting on him to make a few crucial saves between now and the end of the season as the club continue their fight for survival.
Highlands Park
Peter Shalulile: With 13 goals in 26 league games, the Namibia international is one of the form strikers in South Africa's top division this season. He could just well prove to be the difference on the day as he sets his sights on the golden boot award.
Mothobi Mvala: The hard tackling midfielder plays a crucial role in the middle of the park for the Tembisa-based club. Not only does he break down opposition attacks, but he has also proven to boast a real eye for goal in recent seasons.
