Celtic gear up for season

2008-08-25 15:53

Johannesburg - New Bloemfontein Celtic coach Mich D'Avray, described his club's opening Absa Premiership fixture of the new season at home to big spending Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, as "a mouth watering challenge."

It has been a decade since the former South African Under-23 coach was involved in the Premier Soccer League.

The match is scheduled for the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium but D'Avray said it could be switched to the Free State Stadium if the new pitch at Seisa Ramabodu is not ready in time. Kick-off is at 15:00.

Said D'Avray: "We are looking forward to the new season, especially me." The Celtic coach said that the major difference between Celtic and Sundowns apart from the fact Downs coach Trott Moloto has a limitless budget to buy new players thanks to his billionaire boss Patrice Motsepe is the fact the Brazilians have had far more competitive game time than Phunya Sele Sele in the pre-season.

Right combinations

"Sundowns were involved in the Telkom Charity Cup and have played three tough Cup matches in the MTN 8 reaching the final (against Kaizer Chiefs). That gives them a big edge in match fitness. But having watched them so far they are still to gel and get the right combinations going. But once they get it all together, Sundowns are going to be an awesome side."

The Brazilians will be without striker Sibusiso Zuma, signed from German outfit Arminia Bielefeld and central defender Robyn Johannes, both are suspended, while another new striker Katlego Mphela is recovering from an ankle injury.

Winning start

D'Avray said: "Normally losing three top players would weaken a side but that does not apply to Downs who have so much quality and depth in their squad."

D'Avray, a former Ipswich Town and England Under-21 star, has spent the last 10 years in Australia where he had a successful career with leading club Perth Glory, added he was confident of upsetting Downs.

"If I did not think we could win then there would be no point in us turning up for the game. We are maybe a little underdone as regards match fitness but we will be competitive on Sunday. The lads have worked hard and keen to get their season off to a winning start."

- SAPA