PREVIEW: DStv PREMIERSHIP

With the curtain finally being closed on the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s time to shift our focus back to the DStv Premiership. The defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are yet to taste defeat will have their hands full when they face a dangerous Orlando Pirates that suffered back-to-back losses and are in dire need of redemption. Meanwhile, bottom-rooted Cape Town Spurs made a number of signings during the January transfer window, and it remains to be seen if they can assist the club to escape relegation. Here is this week’s DStv Premiership preview:

 

Friday February 16

9/10 SuperSport United | Draw 22/10 | Stellenbosch FC 28/10

SuperSport United had their campaign derailed when they suffered a 3-1 loss against Richards Bay FC in their last league clash and missed out on an opportunity to close the six-point gap between them and log leaders Sundowns. They face a daunting task of defeating the high-flying Stellenbosch FC who will be looking to extend their four-match winning streak. This is expected to be a highly contested match as both teams are known for their exciting attacking football. Their last clash ended 2-1 in favour of SuperSport. Back Stellenbosch to win.

 

Saturday February 17

5/2 Chippa United | Draw 21/10 | Cape Town City 1/1

The Chilli Boys are two places away from the relegation zone. Due to a series of unfavourable results, they recently reshuffled their technical team with the former head coach Morgan Mammila being assigned to a new role of being the team’s new Technical Director while Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo taking over as new co-coaches of the club. Stanley Nwabili who recently shined in AFCON while representing Nigeria will have his hands full when they take on the on-form Cape Town City who have been going all out to challenge Sundowns for the league title.

City is currently second on the log with 29 points having played 16 games. They are one of the teams who have been earmarked to challenge for trophies including the league this season due to their recent stellar performances. PSL top goal scorer Khanyisa Mayo is expected to continue with his brilliance and continue netting winning goals for the Cape Town-based team. City to win.

 

5/2 Moroka Swallows | Draw 22/10 | Polokwane City 1/1

Troubled Moroka Swallows will be aiming to get back to their winning ways at the expense of Polokwane. They have gone eight matches without a win and have been descending towards the relegation zone.

Rise and Shine looks to have been turning things around, before going to the January break, they managed to hold the league title holders Mamelodi Sundowns to a 0-0 draw in a match where the odds were against them. It’ll be interesting to see if they can build from this draw. Polokwane City will edge out Swallows.

 

15/4 Cape Town Spurs | Draw 23/10 | AmaZulu 7/10

Spurs experienced one of the worse starts to the season suffering eight straight defeats. Out of the 16 games that they have played, they have won 1, played a draw once and suffered 14 losses. Ernst Midderndop made a number of significant signings which should be able to assist Spurs in their fight against relegation.

Usuthu are currently 7th on the log with 22 points, they are heading to this match high on confidence having demolished Royal AM 3-0 and have not been defeated in their past three matches. Bet on AmaZulu to win.

 

12/10 Sekhukhune United | Draw 2/1 | Richards Bay FC 22/10

Sekhukhune United have not had a good start to the season having succumbed to seven losses in 15 games. They are currently positioned 12th and are too close to the relegation zone. They sacked their former head coach Brandon Truter after a series of unfavourable results and hired Lehlohonolo Seema but however, the change is yet to pay out.

The Natal Rich Boys will be looking to build from their 3-1 win against SuperSport. This was Vusimuzi Vilakazi’s first match at the helm who took over from Kaitano Tembo after he parted ways with the club. It remains to be seen whether or not the club will stay on the winning lane. Richards Bay for the win. 

33/10 Royal AM| Draw 22/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 8/10

Buoyed by a 3-0 loss against their KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu, Royal AM will be looking for redemption at the expense of Kaizer Chiefs. Thwihli Thwahla are a place above the relegation zone and should fight tooth and nail to collect all three points.

Chiefs on the other hand, have managed to secure three wins out of their last four league games and seem to be turning things around with coach Cavin Johnson at the helm. They are currently sixth on the log and should they remain on the winning lane they stand a chance of finishing the season at a position that may see them challenging for the league title or qualifying for continental competition and beating Royal AM would be a great a great for them in their efforts to climb the table. Bet on Amakhosi to come out victorious.

 

13/10 TS Galaxy | Draw 2/1 | Golden Arrows 2/1

Sead Ramovic’s side will be looking to extend their two-match winning run at the expense of the troubled Golden Arrows whom they recently dispatched 2-0. The Rockets are currently positioned eighth on the log and are expected to come out strong to collect points and finish in the top five. Based on their recent performance, they are heading to this clash as the stronger side when comparing both team performances prior to the break.

Meanwhile, Afbafana Bes’thende who had one of the best starts to the season last tasted victory in October when they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1. They have succumbed to seven consecutive defeats. It’ll be interesting to see if they have used the break to map out a strategy to turn things around. TS Galaxy will be too strong for Arrows.

Written by @siphesihlesoni.