Owen Da Gama Royal AM

Royal AM have reportedly already lined up a replacement for coach John Maduka who is set to take over at Maritzburg United. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Highlands Park vs Baroka: PSL live scores, kick-off time, prediction and preview

Highlands Park host Baroka at Makhulong Stadium in a Saturday afternoon PSL showdown. Here’s all you need to know.

Owen Da Gama Royal AM

Royal AM have reportedly already lined up a replacement for coach John Maduka who is set to take over at Maritzburg United. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Highlands Park head into Saturday’s clash with Baroka in Tembisa on a low, but this season of ups and downs has shown them that anything is possible in the PSL.

Coach Owen da Gama led the Lions of the North to the MTN8 final, but has recently found himself facing rumours that his days at the club were numbered. Nevertheless, he lives to fight another day.

“You have got supporters, and fans. You need to distinguish that,” Da Gama said, as quoted by KickOff.

“There are supporters that will support the entire team when things are not going well. That’s what you expect from supporters.

“With regards to fans, they will say whatever they want to say. They have a right. I was fired seven times this week or resigned seven times this week. Some people just assume things are happening.”

For his counterpart, Dylan Kerr, the question is not whether or not he will be sacked, but rather whether or not he will finally be allowed to sit in his technical area. Matsimela Thoka has stood in for Kerr on the touchline with the new coach’s work permit pending.

The mood at the club appears to have improved this year and they picked up a crucial 2-1 win over Maritzburg United on Sunday.

Kick-off time and prediction

Kick-off time: Saturday 1 February, 20:15.

Prediction: Highlands Park have had plenty of time to ponder what has gone wrong in recent weeks, which gives them an advantage. Nevertheless, they are up against an in-form Baroka side, so a draw is the predicted outcome.

The teams are just about even in the bookies’ eyes with Highlands Park given a 42% chance of victory. They usually win 36% of such fixtures. Baroka have been given a 36% chance of success at odds of 2.75, a forecast at which they have a 30% win rate.

Highlands Park vs Baroka: Live score and result