Daunting times lie ahead for as many as 15 teams in the DStv Premiership as Mamelodi Sundowns look to be kicking away with every stride. The champions are eight points clear at the top of the pile with a game in hand over Kaizer Chiefs, who, despite being second, lack consistency to mount any real challenge.
It’s been the Mamelodi Sundowns show this campaign and the rest of the division really need to look at themselves in hope of a rapid turnaround. Downs are on the road once again this weekend, where they are yet to concede a single goal this term.
Stellenbosch have been a force in the Western Cape this season and will have it all to do against the champions-elect. Can they do enough to halt Sundowns? Of course not!
Kaizer Chiefs also have a battle against Western Cape warriors in the form of Cape Town City. Amakhosi have been in a solid run of form and seem to have everything going in their favour at the moment. Unbeaten in four games, Stuart Baxter’s men have been one of the leading contenders behind Sundowns this term.
They did, however, lose at home in their last tie against Western Cape opposition, going down 1-0 against Stellies at FNB Stadium. Considering City’s form of three games without a win, the Glamour Boys should fancy their chances in Joburg.
South Africa’s “Wembley”, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, draws back its curtains for what looks to be an interesting Durban derby between AmaZulu and Royal AM. Usuthu have been the new Swallows with all the draws, holding their opposition to three consecutive stalemates.
The John Maduka-coached side are in the CAF spots, sitting third behind Chiefs and Sundowns, boasting a healthy goal difference. Their derby clash should be filled with fireworks, but looking in from the outside, it seems like Benni McCarthy is losing the dressing room.
That leaves plenty of gaps for Royal AM to exploit this weekend at Moses Mabhida.
Elsewhere on Saturday, it should be routine draws for Swallows, who meet Maritzburg United, as well as Chippa United, who welcome Golden Arrows to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United are the only teams in action on Sunday and will be going all-out in the hope of leapfrogging Kaizer Chiefs into second spot, dependant on Amakhosi’s result the previous day.
The visitors have lost three and won as many matches in their six away matches, scoring and conceding five goals. You never really know what you’re going to get from Sekhukhune, but I expect SuperSport United to somehow edge it.
Best bets:
Swallows to Draw with Maritzburg United 2/1
Chippa United to Draw with Golden Arrows 2/1
Royal AM to beat AmaZulu 33/20
Kaizer Chiefs to beat Cape Town City 9/10
Sundowns to beat Stellenbosch 5/10
SuperSport United to beat Sekhukhune United 13/10
Written by Jesse Nagel