Ubuntu Cape Town FC’s first win in the National First Division last weekend was a tad over three months in the making.
Winless through 11 rounds and at the foot of the table, Ubuntu travelled to the Eastern Cape to take on fellow strugglers Mthatha Bucks and went on to win at a canter, goals from Franklin Cale, Ranga Chivaviro (fifth of the season), Bukhosi Sibanda and Taahir Ganga in a 4-1 demolition over the hosts netted three valuable log points for the men from the Cape, taking their tally for the season to nine.
While still last on the 16-team standings, Ubuntu have trimmed the gap back to second-bottom Richard’s Bay from four to one point.
The bottom two sides at the end of the season will be relegated.
Now for their showdown with Cape Town All Stars at Parow Park today (kickoff 3.30pm).
All Stars, after a bright start to the season, have since fallen off the pace being set by former PSL team Highlands Park, who are eight points ahead of them. All Stars are currently in 10th spot.
Only four wins registered from 12 outings cost two coaches their jobs.
The new man at the helm is Brandon Truter, previously with Royal Eagles.
His first game was a home match against KwaZulu-Natal’s Uthongathi FC at Parow Park last weekend and it ended goalless.
He has two more home fixtures to turn the tide.
And against Ubuntu the chances to bag a maiden three-pointer is on the cards provided his charges can produce the form shown earlier in the competition under then-coach David Kannemeyer.
Ubuntu will arrive believing they can come out on top in this derby, expected to play out in front of a strong crowd.
Meanwhile, the Cape’s third NFD team, Stellenbosch FC, were in action yesterday at home to league rookies Super Eagles of the Free State.
The men from the Winelands find themselves in sixth place, this after enjoying many weeks atop the log.
They are without a win in six matches, in five of which they’ve failed to score.
The pressure will be on their coach Steve Barker to make up ground and challenge for a top-two placing.
Highlands Park seem set to stay in front of the chasing pack for the foreseeable future.
On 23 points and leading nearest rivals Pretoria University by one, it should be 26 for them if they can see off Richard’s Bay, who are without a win from their last seven outings.
Highlands won the last meeting 3-0 away, and maybe that will be surpassed on their home turf.