The DStv Premiership kept us on the edge of our seats yet again this past weekend with some intriguing battles taking place in the middle of the table. At the top, Mamelodi Sundowns regained their position as the log leaders, beating Stellenbosch 3-0 in Pretoria. Orlando Pirates remained third, but couldn’t bridge the gap as they had to settle for a share of the spoils against Baroka FC. That was among three other 1-1 scorelines, as SuperSport United were the only other team to win in the division, beating Maritzburg United 2-1 last Friday night.
Saturday 5 December
Golden Arrows 37/20
Draw 2/1
Swallows 15/10
(15:30)
Golden Arrows and Swallows kick-start the DStv Premiership this weekend in Durban as both sides look to maintain their unbeaten starts in the league campaign. Arrows have drawn their last three matches, which makes it four in total, from five matches, with their only victory coming against SuperSport United back in October. Swallows didn’t take part in DStv Premiership action this past weekend, instead, their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs was brought forward with the Dube Birds getting the better of Amakhosi in midweek last week. Swallows have kept four clean sheets in five matches and already have three wins under their belt. I fancy the visitors to sneak through at a valuable 15/10.
Cape Town City 37/20
Draw 2/1
Orlando Pirates 15/10
(15:30)
Cape Town City return to the Western Cape where they look to continue their fine record over Orlando Pirates, who are yet to win down in the Cape against City. Orlando Pirates have looked much better in recent months, although they were thwarted with a 1-1 stalemate against Baroka FC, who had also upset them in the past. Cape Town City have been inconsistent at home, but because of their impressive record over Pirates, I’ll back them to get a draw here.
Tshakhuma TM 12/10
Draw 21/10
AmaZulu 22/10
(18:00)
Tshakhuma TM have taken many by surprise in their past couple of matches. The Limpopo-based side impressively beat Baroka FC a fortnight ago and then followed it up with a draw in Port Elizabeth against Chippa United. AmaZulu have had their moments where they’ve looked like a decent team this season, although they desperately need to rectify their poor form outside Durban, where Usuthu have lost both of their away trips this term. Tshakhuma are tipped to edge AmaZulu here.
Maritzburg United 13/2
Draw 28/10
Mamelodi Sundowns 9/20
(20:15)
Saturday night should be interesting as the league champions take their fearsome front trio along with the rest of the team to KwaZulu-Natal to face Maritzburg United. The Team of Choice have lost all five of their DStv Premiership matches this term, but now have Ernst Middendorp in their ranks, who challenged Mamelodi Sundowns all the way last season with Kaizer Chiefs. United will be a much tougher test for Sundowns because of this, while the log leaders will be fancying their chances against any opponents, considering they’ve scored 12 goals in their opening five matches. Form for Maritzburg United means nothing now, but take nothing away from Sundowns. My money is on the visitors here.
Sunday 6 December
TS Galaxy 11/10
Draw 21/10
Stellenbosch 5/2
(15:30)
TS Galaxy are another team to surprise many people thus far and are yet to taste defeat in the top flight this term. From the Rockets’ opening five games, they’ve won once, drawing four times. TS Galaxy are currently in the top eight in the DStv Premiership, and if results continue to go in their favour, perhaps their dream could become a realistic target as the season progresses. Stellenbosch have just five points from their opening five matches and come off the back of a demoralising 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns. For me, TS Galaxy have been a bit more impressive, therefore, I expect them to get the job done in Mbombela.
Baroka 11/10
Draw 21/10
Chippa United 5/2
(15:30)
Baroka FC have been inconsistent for the most part of the early stages, but have still managed to rack up two wins under their belt in five matches. They’re a team full of surprises and never seem to go on a lengthy unbeaten run. At the moment, Baroka are winless in three games, although the Limpopo-based side will be happy with the point they picked up this past weekend against Orlando Pirates. Chippa United moved up to 11th on the DStv Premiership last weekend after they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Tshakhuma TM. The Chilli Boys have won just once, against a struggling Maritzburg United, so not much confidence can be put upon them at the moment.
TREBLE @ 11/2
Tshakhuma TM Win 12/10
Sundowns Win 9/20
Baroka FC Win 11/10
Written by Jesse Nagel