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Papic wary of Polokwane City

Polokwane - Following their 1-0 victory over Milano United on Wednesday night, Black Leopards head coach Kostadin Papic says it will be very difficult for his team when they clash with their Limpopo rivals, Polokwane City, in the final game of the PSL promotional playoffs this weekend.

Lidoda Duvha kept their top flight hopes alive when they defeated the Mother City-based outfit, United, by a single goal, courtesy of a Rendani Ndou strike in the closing stages of the game at the Athlone Stadium.

However, the former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs mentor believes his charges did not live up to expectations.

“What can I say?” Papic said in a post-match interview.

“Maybe it’s not exactly what you want except the results.

“Honestly speaking, it was a tough match.

“We are not performing the way we want but we are happy with the results.

“The win gave us a chance to return back to the PSL.”   

A win for Papic’s charges has set up a grand playoff finale, with the two Limpopo-based teams separated by just a single point.

The Serbian-born tactician also stressed that he is wary of City’s defensive style of play but remains optimistic that his troops' attacking football will conquer Boebie Solomons’ men.

“We are going to play in Giyani which is our home ground.

“We will be playing against a team who like to park buses.

“It’s not going to be easy but we will see what would happen there.

“We have the attacking players and they have defensive players.

“We really want to win that match.

“It will be very difficult for us if they come with a mentality of just playing for a draw because that’s all they need.”

Heading into the much anticipated clash, Papic and his charges need nothing less than the maximum points to qualify for next season's PSL, while Rise and Shine need only a single point to reclaim their top-flight status.

The mouth-watering Limpopo derby will be played at the Giyani Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
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