Publications
Partners
A game between Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows could easily be classified as a derby match or even more than that.
This is another grudge encounter in the making considering the number of transfers that happened between the two sides recently.
Not only have the two clubs’ coaches – Serame Letsoaka and Clinton Larsen – once been on opposite benches, the same goes for some players after they “crossed the floor”.
While Celtic have Deon Hotto from Arrows, the likes of Musa Bilankulu, Wayde Jooste, Vuyani Ntanga and Lerato Lamola once donned Phunya Sele Sele’s green and white colours.
This afternoon’s clash at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein should make for an interesting meeting as the players have a score to settle, and one or two things to prove to their former employers.
After acquiring about eight players in the off season, pressure is on Letsoaka to start getting positive results following a loss and a draw in the opening two fixtures.
The former national Under-20 coach will be hoping to use his former team as a stepping stone towards turning his fortunes around.
Celtic struggled last season and ended up 11th on the log. Letsoaka should be under no illusions that another poor run would result in his losing his job.
They started with a home loss to Maritzburg United before getting a draw away at Free State Stars for their first point of the season.
But Letsoaka has players who can save his skin, with the likes of young Kabelo Mahlasela and Khethokwakhe Masuku eager to repay him.
After their sluggish start, which saw them losing their opening game to Orlando Pirates, Arrows responded with back-to-back victories over Cape Town City and Free State Stars.
In fact, Arrows put the final nail in Frenchman Denis Lavagne’s coffin as he was fired by Stars after their loss to the Durban side on Wednesday.
