Hope FC target back-to-back wins against Highbury in Motsepe Foundation Championship

Newly promoted Hope FC will look to make it two wins from two when they visit Highbury FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Friday afternoon.

The Immortals opened their campaign with an away victory and will now travel to the Eastern Cape hoping to maintain that winning start. It will be the first meeting between Hope FC and Highbury FC.

Hope FC have positive memories of the province, having secured promotion there a few months ago. That success gives the visitors an encouraging connection with the region as they prepare for another important fixture.

Highbury FC, known as Amajuba, will be seeking to make home advantage count. However, Hope FC will arrive in confident mood after beginning the season with a win on the road.

The match is scheduled to take place at 15:00 on Friday, 28 August.

Later that evening, Orbit College will host Hungry Lions at Olympia Park Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:30.

Orbit College, also known as Mswenko Boys, began the season with an away defeat against Leicesterford City. They will be aiming to respond immediately in front of their home supporters.

Hungry Lions also head into the fixture looking for a positive result after drawing 2-2 with Gomora United in their opening game. Recent history between the teams gives the visitors a narrow advantage: Hungry Lions have won two of the last four meetings, Orbit College have won one, and the other match ended in a draw.

Saturday fixtures

Magesi FC will play their first home match since being relegated when they welcome The Bees to Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Saturday. The game is due to begin at 15:00.

In the capital city, University of Pretoria will host Midlands Wanderers at the same time. Upington City will also be at home, taking on league leaders Real Native FC.

The remaining 15:00 fixtures on Saturday, 29 August are Gomora United against Venda FC and Lerumo Lions versus Northwest University.

The Cape Town City match originally scheduled for Saturday has been moved to Wednesday afternoon. They will face Leicesterford City in Cape Town instead.

The weekend programme is therefore led by Hope FC’s attempt to build on their opening victory, while Highbury FC will be seeking to prevent the promoted side from establishing early momentum. With the two clubs meeting for the first time, the Eastern Cape contest offers both teams an opportunity to set the tone for their campaigns.

The full schedule is:

Friday, 28 August

15:00 – Highbury FC v Hope FC 19:30 – Orbit College v Hungry Lions

Saturday, 29 August

15:00 – Gomora United v Venda FC 15:00 – Lerumo Lions v Northwest University 15:00 – Magesi FC v The Bees 15:00 – University of Pretoria v Midlands Wanderers 15:00 – Upington City v Real Native FC

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