It's back to business for Stars

After winning through to the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup last weekend, it is back to Absa Premiership action for Platinum Stars on Sunday when they host University of Pretoria at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace at 15h30.

Dikwena are just five points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs in the race for the league championship this season and at this stage of the campaign every point is vital.

Although Stars coach Cavin Johnson is reluctant to speak of a title challenge ahead of the game against AmaTuks, he recognises that his side find themselves in a good position going into the final third of the season.

“We do have depth to our squad and that means we do have a chance. The task now is to prepare the youngsters to deal with the pace of the matches that will be coming in the next months,’ Johnson said.

“There’s a lot of potential. We have a two to three year plan and maybe we are a little ahead of schedule. But we can compete with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and we have to soldier on.”

Stars played to a 0-0 draw with AmaTuks in the reverse fixture last September, a result which sparked an amazing run of nine wins in 10 league matches before the festive season break.

A similar such run could see silverware coming to the North West province and Platinum Stars Supporters’ Co-coordinator & Media Relations head Aubrey Molobi has urged fans to pack the stands on Sunday and get behind the team.  “We would like to urge people to come up in numbers to support our team,” Molobi says. “I am also urging all supporters from the various other clubs to attend our games, let us revive the spirit that was prevailing during the Afcon games here in Phokeng.

“The entire province should support the team, with our boys doing so well all that they need is motivation from supporters to fill the stadium and blow their vuvuzelas.”

Tickets for the match against AmaTuks will be on sale from Thursday at the following outlets: Lucky’s Pub in Phokeng, Kedase Lodge in Rasimone, Mmamothofele Restaurant in Phokeng and Mickey Geo Restaurant in Rustenburg. Tickets will also be sold at the stadium on a match day and are priced at R40 for adults and R20 for children.