Kickoff (Cape Town)
9 January 2009
The responsibility of Bloemfontein Celtic's bid to lift themselves off the foot of the table has been handed to Owen da Gama, who takes charge of his new side against the team where he made his coaching reputation.
Da Gama, who won the Telkom Knockout in 2006 with Silver (now Platinum) Stars, has replaced Mich d'Avray in charge of the ambitious Free State club, whose hopes of becoming realistic championship contenders have dissipated into a dog fight against relegation.
With just two wins under their belt, both at home this season, Celtic will be up against the odds at Olen Park in Potchefstroom on Saturday evening.
They will have to reshuffle their defence with a hamstring injury ruling Cyrille Mubiala out while Moses Spandeel, too, has a knock that keeps him out of the traveling squad.
Opponents Platinum Stars have been consistent about one thing this season - their inconsistency. Miguel Gamondi's team have yet to set off on a decent run of results and lie 12th in the table, with just four wins from 14 games played to date.
What they say
Platinum Stars coach Miguel Gamondi - "We expect to have a tough game against Celtic who are under pressure and need to win the game.
"They have changed their coach and often this helps to motivate the players. I have been happy with the work we have ben doing but I am looking for a little more confidence in our performance."
Bloemfontein Celtic coach Owen da Gama - "I want to treat all the players equally and that means giving them all a chance to prove the me that they deserve to be in the squad.
"I will get Celtic out of the relegation zone. That is definite. I'm confident that I will meet the challenge and get Celtic back to winning says."
Injuries
Platinum Stars: none
Bloemfontein Celtic: Cyrille Mubiala, Johannes Motlhaping, Moses Spandeel, Billy Ratsoana, Soul Mmethi
Suspensions
Platinum Stars: Henrico Botes, Michael Khaile
Bloemfontein Celtic: none
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