Highbury target another win as Vusumuzi Vilakazi keeps title hopes alive

Highbury coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi wants his side to build on their 2-1 win over Leicesterford City when they travel to face North-West University in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Saturday.

The match at NWU Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground kicks off at 3.30pm, with Highbury looking for only their second successive victory of the season.

Their sole run of back-to-back wins came when they defeated the Bees, Hope and Upington City before losing to Magesi.

Highbury are eighth in the table on 15 points, five behind joint leaders Cape Town City and Magesi. Vilakazi believes another victory could put his team back into contention near the top of the standings.

“I am happy that we have reached 15 points. It might not make a huge difference to our position on the log right now, but mathematically we are still in the race,” Vilakazi said.

“If we win our next game we can put ourselves right back in contention. Our last victory was very important, especially if we want to consider ourselves a team who are competing for the championship.

“We needed these three points, and I was very happy with the effort from the players.”

Vilakazi said Highbury would have to show the same level of commitment away from home if they were to collect another three points.

“Football is a marathon, and we need to keep working hard,” he said.

“Other teams currently at the top of the table may eventually drop points, but when that happens, we must be ready and close enough to take advantage.

“The team showed good tempo, worked hard for one another, and made sure we covered the ground for our teammates.

“It was not the prettiest second half, but we managed to penetrate successfully and get the result we wanted. I remain hopeful.”

Cape Town City will also be seeking to extend their strong run when they visit Upington at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday.

The Citizens moved to the top of the table with a 1-0 victory over Magesi on Monday and will be aiming for another win to retain their position.

Saturday’s fixtures

All matches kick off at 3.30pm.

Venda v Bees, Thohoyandou; Leicesterford v Real Native, Lucas Moripe; North-West v Highbury, NWU Fanie Du Toit; Magesi v Orbit, Seshego; Hope v Hungry Lions, TBC; Pretoria University v Gomora, Tuks; Upington v Cape Town City, Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs; Midlands Wanderers v Lerumo, Mpumalanga.