Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Highlands Park coach Owen da Gama has confirmed that his star forward Mothobi Mvala will not be available for their opening Absa Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.
Mvala was the top-scorer for the Lions of North last season but received a red card in the final league game of the last campaign and will, therefore, miss the first two matches of the upcoming season.
Even though Da Gama will be without his main weapon upfront the Highlands mentor is offering no excuses ahead of the clash against the Soweto giants.
Da Gama told TimesLIVE: "No excuses with us.
"Mothobi Mvala will not be available because remember he got a red card in the last match of last season and he misses two matches, but this gives somebody a chance to play and we are excited about that."
Da Gama feels Amakhosi will approach the first league encounter of the season in better shape than his team having played a highly competitive friendly against Orlando Pirates last weekend.
"They played in a top preseason friendly against Orlando Pirates and I think Chiefs have got a little bit of an advantage over us." Da Gama said.
"I wish we were approaching this match on the same competitive edge but there are no excuses, we have worked hard, and we have prepared well.
"I think it is going to be one of the best matches of this coming season.
"Chiefs are a quality side and we will give them the respect they deserve."
