NFD Top Of The Table Clash To Bring The Heat

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Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Highbury will put their 100 percent record on the line. Image: Gallo Images

Highbury FC and Magesi FC meet in a clash that will see the only two clubs with a perfect record in the Motsepe Foundation Championship going head-to-head for top spot.

Visitors Magesi are top of the standings on goal difference, with nine points in their first three matches. After getting relegated from the Betway Premiership via the playoffs, the Limpopo immediately got to work to ensure they were ready for the new campaign.

Morgan Mammila stepped in as Director of Football and the club moved swiftly to appoint Kabelo Sibiya as their new coach after they parted ways with Allan Freese. Sibiya was at Highbury last season and led them to a sixth place finish, but the club decided to take another direction and he now finds himself at Magesi, who have made an early statement with three victories in three matches.

Second-placed Highbury appointed Vusumuzi Vilakazi after letting go of Sibiya and he’s made an early impact after a solid pre-season with the club. Going into the clash at NMU Stadium today, Soccer Laduma looks at key talking points.

Both clubs have a few players they can rely on for the victory today. Hosts Highbury can bank on the experience of their captain Lulama Maqoko, who scored the winner in their last match away from home against Upington City. Maqoko has featured in all the match for Highbury this far, playing a key role in the clean sheets they have kept in the last two matches. Lonwabo Bayeni is also a threat for Highbury going forward and he’ll be looking to get on the scoresheet for a second consecutive time at home. The last time Highbury played at home, against Hope FC, Bayeni netted a the winner from a free kick outside just outside the box.

On the Magesi side, Nyakala Raphadu has stepped up early in the season as their go-to man for goals. He scored the winner in their first two matches of the campaign against Midlands Wanderers and The Bees, making him their top scorer at the moment. Former Baroka FC and Highlands Park player Matome Mabeba has also been key for Magesi in midfield. He’s a former Highbury player, so he is probably eager to get one of his former club.

Both clubs have considered just one goal this season, conceding just once in their first three matches. Visitors Magesi have kept key defenders from their squad last season in Lehlogonolo Mokone, Tshepo Mashigo and Diteboho Mofokeng, with goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze forming part of the rearguard. Highbury are also tight at the back, and the leadership of Maqoko cannot go unmentioned, while the signing and introduction of right back Gregory Damons has been important.

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