With the Nedbank Cup last 16 matches having been wrapped up, teams will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership action. Stellenbosch FC was held to a 1-1 draw against Richards Bay last night and today promises more quality football as Orlando Pirates take on Cape Town City in a grudge match today in Orlando.
Here are the previews and predictions of the mouth-watering clashes that will take centre stage this weekend:
Saturday February 22
22/10 Chippa United | Draw 2/1 | Sekhukhune United 12/10 (15:30)
The Chilli Boys last defeated Sekhukhune in 2022. In this fixture, they will be aiming to break a four-match winless run against the Limpopo side. They will now fully focus on finishing in a respectable position on the log, having crashed out of the Nedbank Cup after being thrashed 3-0 by Kaizer Chiefs.
Babina Noko on the other hand, has been winless in their past three matches. They are set to meet AmaZulu on Wednesday evening in a high-stakes match before they travel to the Eastern Cape. Back Sekhukhune to win.
5/10 Orlando Pirates | Draw 5/2 | Cape Town City 11/2 (15:30)
The Sea Robbers will be aiming to avoid a second successive league loss following the 4-1 beatdown suffered at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally, Pirates are heading into this match with a score to settle, having been handed their second league defeat by City.
The Citizens last recorded a win in January, when they edged Richards Bay 2-1. Since then, things have taken a turn for the worst as they have gone on to suffer three defeats and played one draw across the previous four matches in all competitions. Pirates to win.
5/10 AmaZulu | Draw 15/4 | Magesi 11/2 (20:00)
Usuthu bowed out of the Nedbank Cup after suffering a 1-0 loss against Marumo Gallants on Saturday. They return to league action with a visit to Sekhukhune on Wednesday before shifting focus to Magesi.
Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi should be commended for rescuing the team from the relegation zone to the top half of the log and are three spots away from a continental qualifying spot.
Owen Da Gama broke Magesi’s winless run that had stretched to over ten matches when he defeated Cape Town City 2-0. He will be aiming to ride that wave to remain on the winning lane and hand Usuthu another loss, but that is easier said than done.
With the fate of Royal AM not yet known, it’s important for teams to collect points and be as high as possible on the log. AmaZulu to win.
Sunday February 23
15/4 Gallants | Draw 23/10 | Polokwane 7/10 (15:30)
Four points above 15th-place Magesi FC, Gallants will need to start collecting points to stand a chance of surviving the drop. They made several signings to bolster their squad during the January transfer window but that is yet to bear fruit.
Phuti Mohafe’s side is determined to keep their position in the top four of the league standings. The injury to Thabang Matuludi has weakened the Polokwane defence but they are still a strong team that is capable of salvaging a win against Gallants. Bet on City to win.
13/10 SuperSport United | Draw 2/1 | Golden Arrows 2/1 (17:30)
The Spartans have suffered a dip in form and have dropped to 12th place, having started the season well and being in the top eight for the greater part of the first half of the season. They are winless in their past six league games, having lost four and played two draws in the last six league outings.
Arrows’ last visit to Tshwane ended in a resounding 3-0 victory and they will be hoping for similar results here. Currently 10th on the log, a victory would move them to the top half. Both teams have been leaking at the back and have not been sharp in the face of goals. United have only netted seven goals and conceded 17 while the visitors have scored 13 and conceded 16. Back a draw.
Written by @siphesihlesoni.