We’re four games into the new season and things are already starting to take shape with Mamelodi Sundowns leading the way in the early stages. SuperSport United, Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates are the defending champions’ closest rivals with eight points after four matches. With three of the four KZN teams in action in midweek, there’s still more to be seen before this weekend’s encounters, but without any further ado, let’s get the ball rolling and dissect gameweek five.
Friday 24 September
Swallows 13/10
Draw 21/10
Cape Town City 21/10
(17:00)
Swallows head into the new week after back-to-back defeats against Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United. The Dube Birds failed to score in both of those losses and start the week in 11th spot. Cape Town City have got off to a disappointing start to their new campaign, winning just one of their three ties played so far, boasting just four points after their most recent humiliating 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch. Its hard to back either side with much confidence here, but I would have a sneaky punt on Cape Town City to win.
Saturday 25 September
Orlando Pirates 33/20
Draw 2/1
Mamelodi Sundowns 33/20
(15:00)
The tie between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns has slowly evolved into the most-anticipated fixture of the season. Two teams who have played the most attractive football in the past few years, the tie between Pirates and Downs has sparked a new-found rivalry in the DStv Premiership, particularly with Rhulani Mokwena representing both sides in his managerial career. Mamelodi Sundowns have thrashed Pirates 3-0 already this year at the back end of last season, and looking at how Downs have improved since then, it could be one-way traffic yet again. My money is on the visitors to claim maximum points.
AmaZulu 15/10
Draw 2/1
Baroka 18/10
(15:00)
AmaZulu’s season still hasn’t got off to the start they had hoped it would after being winless at the start of the new term, at the time of writing. Prior to their midweek meeting with Golden Arrows, AmaZulu have not scored a single goal and haven’t adjusted to the CAF disturbances just yet. Baroka have had a decent start, earning six points from their opening four matches, winning and losing two games each. Away from home, Baroka are yet to register a point, losing their only tie on the road to Kaizer Chiefs. AmaZulu to win is my play here.
Sekhukhune United 14/10
Draw 2/1
Golden Arrows 2/1
(15:00)
Sekhukhune United have shown signs of being decent this term, although they’ve lost two of their four ties played. In those defeats, Sekhukhune have given a solid account of themselves and could prove tricky in the games to come. Golden Arrows have been one of the most entertaining teams to follow in the league this season, with every game seeing a minimum of three goals so far, at the time of writing. A high-scoring draw could be on the cards here.
SuperSport United 13/20
Draw 24/10
Maritzburg United 9/2
(17:00)
SuperSport United have put a shock of many faces with the type of start they’ve had, enduring an unbeaten start to the new season, sitting second behind Mamelodi Sundowns with eight points. Matsatsantsa have the second-best defence in the league as well, conceding just once in four matches. Maritzburg United are in action in midweek, but prior to that fixture, the Team of Choice had only won once in their opening three encounters, losing twice. I fancy SuperSport United in this tie.
Stellenbosch vs Chippa United (17:00)
Stellenbosch have been exciting to watch this term and are one of the league’s early front-runners with eight points. After four matches, Stellies have scored seven goals, which is one more than SuperSport United and Sundowns. Chippa United have lost back-to-back matches and there are whispers going around that Gavin Hunt could depart the Chilli Boys once he receives his pay cheque at the end of the month. Stellenbosch win this one comfortably for me.
Sunday 26 September
Royal AM 13/20
Draw 24/10
TS Galaxy 9/2
(15:00)
Royal AM have shown promising signs in their recent outings, claiming back-to-back victories to start the week in fifth spot. The KZN-based side, owned by MaMkhize, were most impressive in their 4-1 thumping victory over Kaizer Chiefs. John Maduka and his side now host TS Galaxy, who are off the back of a 3-0 drubbing against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Rockets are yet to win a game this season and could struggle in Chatsworth. Back the hosts here at all costs.
Marumo Gallants 7/2
Draw 23/10
Kaizer Chiefs 8/10
(17:00)
Marumo Gallants are in KZN in midweek to face Maritzburg United before the daunting task of hosting Kaizer Chiefs this weekend. The visitors grabbed headlines FOUR the wrong reasons last weekend after their humiliating defeat to Royal AM. Amakhosi have now lost back-to-back matches following their 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns during the early parts of September. Despite Chiefs’ struggles, Marumo Gallants have probably been worse off and are stone last at the time of writing. It’s hard to look past Chiefs here.
TREBLE @ 7/1
SuperSport United Win 13/20
Kaizer Chiefs Win 8/10
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 33/20
Written by Banele Pikwa