The DStv Premiership show continues with five games to look forward to this evening. Sundowns look to return to winning ways when they face Stellenbosch in Pretoria, before two KZN derbies are on the horizon as AmaZulu entertain Golden Arrows, and Royal AM host Maritzburg United.
Wednesday 24 August
Sundowns 11/20
Draw 28/10
Stellenbosch 52/10
(17:00)
Mamelodi Sundowns seem to be struggling for consistency in the DStv Premiership with just two wins from their opening four matches, failing to win in back-to-back games. In their last tie, Downs draw 1-1 at Sekhukhune United. Stellenbosch have proven tough to beat this season and are yet to lose in their opening four encounters. They come off the back of a 1-1 stalemate against local rivals, Cape Town City, who beat Kaizer Chiefs last night. They also drew with Orlando Pirates and beat Royal AM. Its not going to be easy, but my money is on Sundowns to edge Stellies.
Chippa United 27/20
Draw 37/20
TS Galaxy 22/10
(19:30)
Chippa United comes off the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat in KwaZulu-Natal, losing to Maritzburg United. Prior to that, the Chilli Boys claimed their only win of the season against Orlando Pirates. TS Galaxy has been one of the most eye-catching teams to watch this term and have eight points to their name after four matches. The Rockets are yet to taste defeat and haven’t even conceded a goal. It would be silly not to back TS Galaxy tonight.
AmaZulu 11/10
Draw 37/20
Golden Arrows 3/1
(19:30)
One of two KZN derbies take place this evening with AmaZulu’s showdown against Golden Arrows having a bit more rivalry to it. Usuthu sit atop the DStv Premiership with three wins and just one draw from their opening four ties. They’re the joint-top scorers in the division and seem difficult to oppose at the moment. Golden Arrows lie bottom of the pile coming into tonight’s matches, failing to win a game this term. AmaZulu should claim derby bragging rights here.
Royal AM 27/20
Draw 19/10
Maritzburg United 23/10
(19:30)
Royal AM have been the neutrals’ favourite team to watch this season after playing a certain brand of football that South Africans have become accustomed to, whilst also finding the back of the net on a number of occasions, being the joint-top scorers. Their downfall, however, is that they’ve conceded just as much goals, proving how entertaining they can be – whether it is with good reason or not. Maritzburg United are unbeaten in three games. After goalless draws against Swallows and Cape Town City, they beat Chippa United 2-1. Still, I fancy Royal AM to get the job done at Chatsworth Stadium.
Richards Bay 16/10
Draw 9/10
SuperSport 21/10
(19:30)
The new Natal side, Richards Bay, finally succumbed to an opponent in Kaizer Chiefs after a good start to their first top-flight campaign. The omission of captain Katlego Maphathe came as a surprise considering they will not play MTN8 this coming weekend, and despite creating chances against a 10-man Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 defeat ensued. SuperSport will field their strongest lineup yet to earn their first three points. Matsatsansa faces Sundowns this weekend unable to field a host of loaned players. Two draws and two losses do not bode well for coach Gavin Hunt, and this fifth result will stamp his return to the club as a current failure in my opinion. Based on their last trip to KZN SuperSport will suffer again, this time, at the hands of The Natal Rich Boyz.
Orlando Pirates 6/10
Draw 5/2
Marumo Gallants 5/1
(19:30)
Orlando Pirates are tipped by many to be Mamelodi Sundowns’ closest rivals at the end of the campaign, but their inconsistency has put an early dent to their potential title charge. In their last three ties, Pirates have lost to Chippa, beaten Royal AM and drawn to SuperSport United. Marumo Gallants have been labelled as the early draw kings of the DStv Premiership, drawing all four of their matches so far. In front of their home crowd, perhaps its worth backing Orlando Pirates, but not with much confidence.
Written by Jesse Nagel