Kobola anticipates tough battle with Leopards |

Baroka FC coach Vincent Kobola has predicted a tough Motsepe Foundation Championship Limpopo derby against arch-rivals Black Leopards on Sunday.

Leopards will welcome Bakgaga at Malamulele Stadium for the mouthwatering derby with the kick-off scheduled for 15:00 in the afternoon.

However, Kobola is confident that his side would be strong enough to beat Lidoda Duvha on their own turf.

He also stated that his men are determined to land fruitful results as they come from a comfortable 3-1 win over Pretoria Callies at home on Wednesday.

UPBEAT KOBOLO SPEAKS

“Well, it will be difficult. But going there with a win in our belt I think we are going to go there and compete,” the ex-Maritzburg United assistant coach told FARPost.

“We are going to make sure that we come back with positive results.

“As much as they are struggling, this is football they might come to the party when they play against us because it’s a derby, however, we are ready for them.

“Black Leopards is the team that we played most of the friendly games during the pre-season, so we know them and they know us. And that is going to make the game very exciting,” he added.

Meanwhile, one cannot right off Joel Masutha’s side, whose team managed to secure a 1-0 win against NB La Masia in midweek after their two successive defeats at the hands of Hungry Lions and the in-form Polokwane City.  

When Masutha was asked how he is planning to turn their fortunes around before it is too late after their loss to the Rise and Shine, he said that “introspection is the best way,” and that seem to be working for him as they won their last game.

He further added that: “We also need to understand that as much as we did well towards the end of the last season, it has got no bearing on the new campaign.

“Teams have reinforced and games are coming in thick and fast.”

As things stand, Baroka are placed in the ninth position with four points, whereas Leopards find themselves in the 13th place with three points. They have each played three games thus far.