Cosmos fancy their chances

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Jomo Cosmos in training ahead of their clash with United FC.

Johannesburg – Despite their Nation First Division (NFD) struggles Jomo Cosmos are upbeat about their chances in the Nedbank Cup ahead of their game against United FC, at Makhulong Stadium, on Saturday.

Cosmos are languishing in mid-table of the NFD in 10th spot on the log, 13 points behind table-topping Thanda Royal Zulu FC.

“With the senior players coming in we have a good chance to go through,” said goalkeeper Avril Phali on Wednesday.

“We've got a lot of good players here. We can go all the way.”

The Cup competition will present them with the opportunity to get something out of their season.

Phali said Cosmos were up for the challenge against United FC despite a tough schedule of games close together.

“It's a lot of energy. Cup games are different to league games and you have to be committed.”

Phali said the Cosmos team were confident that they would know how to overcome United FC.

“The difficult part is that we are playing against United FC, they know us and we know them. It's not like (Orlando) Pirates playing these small teams, but it won't be an easy game against United.

“We will work extra hard. They play possession football more than scoring goals, so if we press them I think we stand a good chance of winning the game.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Siyabonga Nhlapo spoke about the struggles of Cosmos in the second-tier league.

“In the NFD, it's a jungle. It's where you play and it's not broadcasted, the stands are not encouraging enough,” said Nhlapo.

“There's no motivation and from our side, the Cosmos family is always with us. They know how to motivate us. It's been pretty rough, but we're hanging in there.”

Nhlapo said his team were optimistic about gaining promotion to the Premier Soccer League.

“As the coach Jomo Sono says, it's a marathon not a sprint.

“We have 16 games to go and anything can happen in those games. That's where experience counts, and Cosmos has done it three times already.” – Sapa