Larsen not fazed by injuries

Bloemfontein - Bloemfontein Celtic coach Clinton Larsen says he is not overly concerned the team will be without key players for their MTN 8 Cup tie against Bidvest Wits on Friday.

''We have good players still to do the job against Wits," said Larsen.

"We have versatile players in the likes of Joel Mogorosi and Auguston Leonard to solve the emergency facing us."

The Bloemfontein side would be without midfielders Itumeleng Duiker, John Arwuah and striker Lerato Manzini.

Duiker and Manzini were nursing injuries while Arwuah was serving suspension after being red-carded in the opening league fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.

"We hope to do well in the upcoming game because Wits is the first hurdle we must cross, and then we will take each game as it comes," Larsen said.

"We have only two matches to play then we will be in the final."

The Celtic mentor was confident his charges would step up to the plate and pull a few surprises.

''I'm very happy with the efforts of all the players and we are working hard to ensure success," he said.

"We have new players who are hungry for success and the MTN 8 Cup presents them with a good chance.''

Siwelele signed defenders Wade Jooste, Banele Ndlovu, Wandisile Letlabika, midfielders Keagan Buchanan, Musa Nyatama from Sundowns, striker Trevor Lamola and goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle, to help strengthen the side.

Celtic's captain Thabo Nthethe said he fancied the prospect of his team plotting a cup coup to follow their 2005 success where Phunya Selesele won the tournament under a different sponsorship -- the Supa 8 Cup.

''With focus and teamwork, I believe we stand a chance to go all the way," Nthethe said.

"We have to believe in ourselves and play to our ability.

"It is my ambition we lift this cup and it will be my second piece of silverware."