23 May 2019 – Hungry Lions coach Thabang Mahlatsi is convinced the battle with nerves as much as the opposition will decide the outcome of Saturday’s top-of-the-table Sekhukhune SAB League Stream C clash at Mogalagadi, Ga-Phaahla.

Second-placed Hungry Lions take a five-point deficit behind league leaders Kingborn into a Ga-Phaahla derby which Mahlatsi insists will have no place for the faint-hearted.

Saturday’s game between Hungry Lions and Kingborn will be the latter’s final fixture of the season whilst Hungry Lions will have to conclude their season with an outstanding fixture against Try Again FC.

A point from this game will be enough for Kingborn to seal the league title whilst Hungry Lions have to win all their remaining two games to steal the title from their visitors.

“It has the makings of the game of the season which would be even more so if we were playing professionally” said Mahlatsi. “It is a genuine top-of-the-table clash, with the team best standing up to the nerves more likely to succeed.”

Hungry Lions are currently on a better run of form, they are on a four games winning streak whilst Kingborn responded to their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rocks FC with back-to-back thrashing of All Stars and Mahlole.

Hungry Lions managed to come back with a point from their visit to Kingborn two months ago following a goalless draw at Mamatjekele Ground.

“It will be interesting to see how they will set-up and perform now that they are away from home. From what I see, I think they have gelled well,” said Mahlatsi. “I know from what I saw in the first round, they are not where they are by accident.”

Malatsi is always happy to talk up his oppositions, but his own team has also been on top of their game, with Mahlatsi labelling their 3-2 win away to Rocks FC last Sunday as a cracking game and one of their best of the season.

“We scored some great goals,” said Mahlatsi. “That is behind us now. We have to look ahead and that is the game against Kingborn which is a do or die for us.”

Mahlatsi, for perhaps the first time this season, is likely to put out the same starting XI as that which beat Rocks. He points to his team’s excellent disciplinary record as another factor in charge of a league title.

Click here to full the full Sekhukhune SAB League Stream C weekend fixtures and league table.