EXPRESS:Injury-ridden Celtic take on Stars
Aug 01 2007 02:07:42:040PM  - (SA)  
Teboho Setena

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Bloemfontein Celtic’s coach  Khabonina  Zondo  gets  yet another chance to explore avenues to remedy his team in the Telkom Charity Cup on Saturday.

The one-day showdown is set for the Mmabatho Stadium in North-West.

The tournament features Platinum Stars and the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

It will be a different game for Zondo’s charges given their record against   Da   Gama’s   spirited   war-riors.

Stars have had the upper hand against Phunya Selesele, who have thus far recorded one win over their vastly improved opponents.

Celtic’s first win over The Lions of the North was a 2-1 victory at Seisa Ramabodu last season. Zondo’s concern is that he has not been able to assemble a full-strength team to this juncture gi-ven the unavailability of some tried and tested players. This leaves the team depleted, not only for Saturday’s event, but for the start of the Premier Soccer League.

Celtic have seven players that are still nursing serious injuries which they sustained last season in the Premiership competition.

The casualties include Lebohang Kukame, Moses Spandeel, Kleinbooi Taaibos, Molefi Malokase, Janathan Solomon and Zwelinjane Mahlatsi.

“What’s important is that I’m ta-king a fit team to the tournament and I’m confident that the chosen players will give a good account of themselves. My concern though is finding suitable replacements for the injured ones. However, I am looking at the situation from a positive perspective and regard it a challenge which we must overcome,” said Zondo.

Zondo said he was wary of Da Gama’s team. “I respect them because they are good and a technically improving team. It’s a good test playing them.” Given the team’s injury scenario Zondo said he would be considering some of the on trial players for the charity tournament.

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