EP confident ahead of showdown

STAR EP Kings centre Tiger Mangweni says it is time for his team to reap the benefits of a productive season when they clash with the Leopards in an Absa Currie Cup First Division semifinal tomorrow.

Mangweni, who has been a driving force in helping the Kings stretch their unbeaten record to 14 matches in the competition, says the mood in the EP camp is good.

"We have put ourselves in a great position and now is the time to reap the benefits," EP's vice-captain said.

Mangweni, who captained the Kings last week when they beat the Leopards in their final league game, says EP are expecting a tough game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

"We are not taking this game lightly. This is a big semifinal showdown and we want to advance to the final," he said. "Knockout games can be unpredictable affairs and very tense. Sometimes you cannot see where the game is going."

Kings head coach Matt Sexton said the Leopards had changed their approach to the game in Potchefstroom on Friday and would probably do so again tomorrow.

"It is important that we control the game around the set pieces and carry well. If we do that we can be in charge of our own destiny," the New Zealander said.

"Over the last month we have made great strides on attack and backline coach David Maidza has done good work to build our game."

Asked where the game could be won or lost tomorrow, Sexton, a former Canterbury Crusaders hooker, said: "The game starts at the set piece and you must make sure you recycle well. It is difficult to say what the deciding factor will be in the semi. If we get ball and territory we will be fine." EP's head coach said he was hoping for a big crowd at tomorrow's semifinal.

"The fans are the 16th man and that always plays a massive part in a performance. I would love to see the stadium full at some point this season because the atmosphere would be fantastic.

"Our president, Cheeky Watson, did a super job to get the kick-off time changed from 2pm to 7.10pm so fans can watch after work," Sexton said.

Tomorrow's other First Division semifinal pits the second-placed Pumas against the third-placed Griffons at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.