As the season reaches its midpoint, the competition heats up, with teams battling fiercely to climb the log table.
Will Kaizer Chiefs bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Cape Town City? This question looms as we gear up for the thrilling Round 13 fixtures of the Betway Premiership.
Here’s a detailed preview and predictions for the weekend’s exciting matchups:
Sunday, January 12
8/10 Kaizer Chiefs | Draw 22/10 | Golden Arrows 33/10
The struggles of Kaizer Chiefs continued when they experienced their fourth league loss on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Cape Town City. Amakhosi dominated the game but their poor decision-making in the final third resulted in them not finding the back of the net.
Central defensive midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa who was originally reported to be not in the plans of Nasreddine Nabi during the start of the season is proving to be a valuable asset on the field together with youngster Mduduzi Shabalala.
Nabi’s cry for new players and squad reinforcement continued after the loss. “It’s true that the market is open, and every club is trying to improve their squad, our club (Chiefs) is also working very hard to try and look at different profiles. It’s not easy because it’s January, but everyone is working very hard.” He said.
Amakhosi managed to salvage a 2-1 win against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday and should use that momentum to overcome the visitors on Sunday.
Abafana Bes’thende are on the same boat with their Sunday’s opponents, their mixed results saw head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza departing the club and joining Eastern Cape side Chippa United.
Arrows are eighth on the log with 15 points, they managed to avoid defeats in their recent two matches which ended in draws against solid teams including AmaZulu and Polokwane City. A win in this match may push them to the top five on the log standings. Chiefs will edge Arrows.
2/1 Sekhukhune United | Draw 2/1 | SuperSport United 13/10
Babina Noko is coming to this match at the back of a resounding 2-0 win away at AmaZulu which followed a 1-1 draw against their Limpopo rivals Polokwane in a highly contested match.
Lehlohonolo Seema’s side recently strengthened their squad with Orlando Pirates’ Katlego Otladisa and Kagiso Mayinga. Otladisa was impressive in his debut against Polokwane City and will be instrumental in this clash.
The return of veteran striker Bradley Grobler has solved the goal-scoring dilemma for Gavin Hunt’s side. Grobler and Tashreeq Morris have been netting crucial goals for United.
The Spartans are currently sixth on the log with 16 points, one point behind their Sunday rivals. Bet on this match to end in a draw.