Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants will look to steer away from the DStv Premiership relegation zone as the two sides prepare to do battle at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT+2).
Babina Noko are winless in their last four league encounters, as coach Brandon Truter attempts to undo the knots left by former coach Kaitano Tembo.
Sekhukhune head into the tie on the back of two consecutive stalemates after collecting solitary points against TS Galaxy and AmaZulu respectively.
After 13 matches played, Sekhukhune currently occupy the relegation play-off zone spot and accumulated just 12 points during the entire 2022/23 campaign.
Speaking about his side’s progress, Truter spoke glowingly of the performance in their 0-0 draw against Usuthu but mentioned that his side’s finishing needs improvement.
"As the game progressed, we became stronger and became a bit more organised, and a bit more dominant,” Truter said.
"At halftime we became the better team as well, went out, put them under so much pressure and eventually they had to commit to certain things and they lost a player (Brooks) but even with eleven on the park, we were the better team.
"Our approach play, our structure was very good and our counter-pressing as well.
"I think our finishing and decision making in the last third can improve tremendously.”
As for Gallants, Dan Malesela’s side recorded a 1-0 defeat against SuperSport United in their most recent DStv Premiership match, as they struggle to better their inconsistent performances this season.
The Limpopo side have won just two out of their last five league matches, recording two losses and a single draw along the way.
Gallants' away record does not make for a great reading either and have won just one match on the road during the 22/23 campaign, which came in a 1-0 victory against TS Galaxy in October 2022.
Speaking after Gallants' 1-0 defeat to Matsatsantsa, Malelsea expressed his concern at his side’s current position on the DStv Premiership log.
“You always get worried,” Malesela said.
“Especially where we are because one slip up, one team is on top of you and you go back to where you were, and we should understand where we are more than anybody else.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sekhukhune United
Siyabulela Shai: While the attacking midfielder may not have had the best of outings against AmaZulu, Shai remains one of Babina Noko’s best creative outlets. Truter could look to utilise Shai in an advanced position against Gallants as he continues to transform Sekhukhune United.
Tashreeq Morris: The lanky forward provides a reference point in attack for Sekhukune, with Truter making use of the Cape Town Born striker in their 0-0 draw against Usuthu. Largely used as a substitute under Kaitano Tembo, Morris now has the chance to prove himself under his new mentor.
Marumo Gallants
Sibusiso Khumalo: With a midfield battle expected to take place, Khumalo will have to be at his best against a Sekhukhune United side who are fine tuning their engine room. At 33, Khumalo is one of Gallant’s most experienced campaigners and will no doubt be relied upon against Babina Noko.
Tshepo Gumede: As another senior player at Gallants, Gumede will be tasked to guide his defence against a side eager to improve on their current position. Expected to come up against strikers that are willing to run, Gumede’s experience will be vital during crucial moments of the match.