The Hollywoodbets Super League surprise result was Tsunami Queens finally collecting their first victory of the season defeating First Touch, but it was business as usual for most teams in the round of 16. TUT and JVW kept up with each other by also collecting maximum points and solidifying their positions at the summit of the table. Mcebo Mpungose looks at this week’s midweek clashes.
Wednesday 17 August
Durban Ladies 12/10
Draw 21/10
Thunderbirds Ladies 21/10
(13:00)
Durban Ladies suffered a bruising defeat last weekend, going down 6-0 against current table toppers TUT. That was their second consecutive loss, the eighth of their season, and by now the eThekwini side should be looking to change things up before they are drawn into the relegation zone. They still have a comfortable gap between them and the relegation places, but their defense needs sorting. Durban Ladies face a Thunderbirds side that managed an impressive 3-0 win over Golden Ladies. The result added a three-point gap between Thunderbirds (eighth place) and Durban Ladies (seventh place). Midtable clashes are always tough to call but I will back a win for Durban Ladies.
Bloemfontein Celtic 16/10
Draw 2/1
UWC 16/10
(15:00)
Last weekend Celtic continued with their great form of losing just once in their last 16 games with a win. This was a great result for them seeing as they have drawn almost half their games this season. They still struggle for goals though, with the lowest tally among the top six. Celtic has the best defense in the league however and comes up against a side that is similar in that regard. I’m backing a draw here.
Vasco Da Gama 4/1
Draw 24/10
UJ FC 13/20
(15:00)
Vasco Da Gama looks improved since the return to action after the mid-season break due to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite their struggles to win games. They have been tighter at the back and lost 1-0 to Celtic last time out in a game that could have gone either way. They face a UJ side that is averaging almost two goals a game and will have to keep a close eye on their attackers. UJ’s form has fluctuated in recent weeks, collecting two wins and two losses in their last four games. Vasco da Gama will fancy their chances, so I will Double Chance UJ on the Draw/Win.
City Lads 16/1
Draw 9/2
TUT FC 1/7
(15:00)
After losing 2-0 to UWC, things aren’t going to get better for 14th-placed City Lads, who have picked up just two wins all season. They face a TUT side that has won their four games in a row, scoring 16 goals in just as many. TUT currently occupy the top spot in the Hollywoodbets Super League, although they have played two more fixtures than JVW (second place), and five more than defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns (third place). It’s the points on the board that count though, and TUT has been merciless in their recent wins. I’m expecting a big win for TUT, who will move up to 40 points with a win.
Coal City Wizards 6/10
Draw 24/0
Tsunami Queens 4/1
(15:00)
In my last preview (for round 16) I predicted Tsunami Queens would suffer their 12th loss of the season in 14 games. They proved me wrong winning their first game of the season 1-0 against 11th positioned First Touch. They couldn’t have asked for a better fixture to follow that win. They face 12th-positioned Coal City Wizards who have won just four times this season and are one of two sides who haven’t drawn a single game. The Wizards have lost their last three games and will be looking to stop the rot in this one. Despite winning their last game, I don’t see Tsunami Queens winning this one. I’m backing a win for the Wizards.
First Touch 2/1
Draw 2/1
Richmond United 12/10
(15:00)
The home side is without a win in its last four fixtures. Their last loss came against a side that is yet to taste victory this season. Meaning that First Touch is now winless in its last four games, picking up just two points in just as many games. Richmond United lost 3-1 against JVW and will be looking to bounce back against a side that’s one position below them on the log. The biggest struggle for the home side this season has been scoring goals. Their defense will need to be on top form to keep Richmond at bay. The Richmond Double Chance Win/Draw is my play.
JVW 7/10
Draw 24/10
Ma-Indies 33/10
(18:00)
JVW, who are second on the log, faces a Ma-Indies side that has won two and lost once in their last three games. Ma-Indies will head into this encounter the fresher side having not played last weekend. JVW have won their last three games, scoring 10 goals in the process. I don’t see them slipping against Ma-Indies, who are only three points behind them. I’m backing a win for JVW.
Thursday 18 August
Golden Ladies 20/1
Draw 8/1
Mamelodi Sundowns 1/25
(15:00)
Defending Champions Sundowns are back in domestic action this week after missing a few rounds due to the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Champions League. They return as losing finalists and will be looking to quickly remind teams who the queens of the league are. They are seven points behind table toppers, TUT, but with seven games in hand, this presents the first opportunity to close that gap against a side that is bottom of the table and winless in 16 games. Golden Ladies also have the leakiest defense in the league with 56 goals conceded. This should be an easy win for Ka Bo Yellow.
QUAD @ 2/1
Coal City Wizards Win 6/10
JVW Win 7/10
TUT Win 1/7
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 1/25
Written by Mcebo Mpungose