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The South African NFD resumes this weekend with Thanda Royal Zulu leading the way at the top. |
International football is finally done and dusted for the year and we can finally focus all our attention on club soccer. The NFD returns this weekend with a full set of cracking contests, including an eye-catching KwaZulu Natal derby between AmaZulu and Thanda Royal Zulu. There is plenty of money to be made this weekend, we just need to find the value and strike. With eight NFD matches to look forward to, let’s not waste any more time and get stuck in!
Saturday 19 November
8/10 University of Pretoria | Draw 23/10 | Magesi FC 3/1 (15:30)
Before the international break, University of Pretoria fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Thanda Royal Zulu, making it three losses from their last four matches. Newly-promoted Magesi FC have been on a downward spiral as they are without a win in their last eight matches, scoring a measly two goals and conceding 15 times. Five points separate the teams with AmaTuks placed 11th on the standings, while Magesi FC find themselves rooted to the foot of the table. Neither side inspire much confidence but University of Pretoria are bound to find a winning formula. With home advantage, back Shaun Bartlett and his men to come out on top.
11/10 Black Leopards | 21/10 | Mbombela United 22/10 (15:30)
Black Leopards and Mbombela are tied on 12 points with three wins from 10 games each. Black Leopards have lost back-to-back matches, while their opponents have lost two matches on the road on the bounce. Lidoda Duvha seem to be scoring plenty of goals, but their problem lies in their defence. Mbombela, on the other hand, lack a certain cutting edge and drive. With that in mind, the draw looks a likely result.
13/10 FC Cape Town | 21/10 | Stellenbosch FC 18/10 (15:30)
FC Cape Town will take on one of the league’s in-form teams as Stellenbosch FC make the short trip to the NNK Rugby Stadium. The hosts were just about finding their feet before the international break and will hope any momentum built has not faded away. Stellenbosch FC are undefeated in their last four matches with three victories, but a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Cape Town All Stars last time out caused them to lose a bit of ground on log-leaders, Thanda Royal Zulu. The African Beasts are unbeaten against Stellenbosch FC in the last five meetings, including three wins on the spin. The home win looks worth a punt.
11/10 Milano United | 21/10 | Santos 22/10 (15:30)
Milano United and Santos have been involved in a few cagey encounters in the past and this is likely to be no different. The home side are just a point above their opponents in 13th place on the table and will be eager to stretch the gap. Santos have proven to be the draw specialists this campaign, playing to seven stalemates from 10 matches, including five on the trot. They seem to lack a winning mentality but it’s obvious they are desperate not to lose. Another draw is on the cards.
13/10 Mthatha Bucks | 21/10 | Royal Eagles 18/10 (15:30)
Mthatha Bucks have put their foot on the brake since making such a bright start to the season. They are winless in three matches, but drawing all of those ties and will be eager to return to winning ways. Free-scoring Royal Eagles will look to maintain their unbeaten run of six matches without defeat, including four victories. It’s on home soil where they have really thrived, but the Durbanites are buzzing with confidence and are tipped to do enough to claim maximum points.
Sunday 20 November
17/10 Cape Town All Stars | 21/10 | Witbank Spurs 14/10 (15:30)
Cape Town All Stars are placed second from bottom on the log with just one win from 10 matches. Witbank have made a good turnaround in form in recent weeks, bagging three wins from their last four matches. Witbank edged this fixture 1-0 last season and judging by the form guide are more than capable of doing so yet again. The away win should be backed.
11/10 Jomo Cosmos | 21/10 | Real Kings FC 22/10 (15:30)
Jomo Cosmos will welcome Real Kings FC to Olen Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Jomo Sono’s men are unbeaten at home with three wins and two draws from five games, while the new boys on the block are unscathed in their last five matchups. This is a contest that will go down to the wire. However, with home advantage Jomo Cosmos will prove too strong for Real Kings FC.
13/10 AmaZulu | 21/10 | Thanda Royal Zulu 18/10 (15:30)
AmaZulu and Thanda Royal Zulu will square off in a KwaZulu Natal derby in arguably the NFD matchup of the weekend. Usuthu have been in horrendous form with five defeats from their last six matches. Table-toppers Thanda Royal Zulu remain the only team in the league yet to taste defeat, scoring an impressive 25 goals, while conceding just nine times. Nonetheless, AmaZulu will most likely be rejuvenated from that international break and are tipped to hold out for a point.
TREBLE @ 10/1
University of Pretoria Win 8/10
FC Cape Town Win 13/10
Royal Eagles Win 18/10
Written by Aaron Crowie