The pressure is on Siwelele, who have managed just two wins this season and are currently second-last on the log. They will, however, take confidence from the point gained in their last outing when they played to a 0-0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.

Therein lies the problem for the team from Bloemfontein, as they have managed to score just four goals all season while conceding ten times. 

The bulk of those goals came in their opening-round fixture when they beat Golden Arrows 3-1 at the Slaughterhouse, while the other came in the 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants in their Bloemfontein debut. A silver lining, however, is that in their last two games, they collected four points with a win against Gallants and a draw against the Amakhosi.

Vincent Pule. Photo: Morgan Piek

A win for the visitors could put them in a position to finish the weekend at the top of the table. Sekhukhune are on 20 points as it stands – just one shy of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns – but they do have a game in hand.

Eric Tinkler’s charges from Polokwane have, however, managed to score goals this season and have found the back of the net on 13 occasions, while their defence has been rock-solid, conceding only four times. Their defensive record is second only to Orlando Pirates, who have let in three goals in eight games.

There is also a bit of history that comes into play, as Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema is the former head coach of Sekhukhune. Last season, he was inexplicably axed from the role while the Limpopo team was doing well.

The under-pressure Seema says he and his team are going into the game with no history, and that a win is non-negotiable.

“It’s nothing personal – I’ve even forgotten about that team I worked with there,” said the legendary former Bloemfontein Celtic captain.

“Everything we channel, we channel the energy, everything focused on the Siwelele team, so that we can prepare well because that team’s got a lot more points.

Lehlohonolo Seema. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re still fighting for points, and we’re definitely not in a good position. We want to make sure we improve that position more than ever.

“So, the three points against Sekhukhune are the same three points as against a team like Marumo or any other side we play. There’s nothing different for us – it’s the same energy and the same focus.”

Friday’s game between Siwelele FC and Sekhukhune United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will kick off at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs