Mamelodi Sundowns secured their seventh successive league title after they humiliated Kaizer Chiefs in Soweto. The contest for the runners-up position will go down to the wire, with only two rounds of fixtures remaining in the DSTV Premier Soccer League.
Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates, who are currently separated by a single point, are keeping the entire local footballing fraternity at the edge of their seats with everyone. The question remains as to who will join the Brazilians in challenging for the Continental honors.
Many were left perplexed by the surprise defeat of the Stellies and Buccaneers over the weekend after both teams went down to relegation-threatened Moroka Swallows and Richards Bay United respectively.
The Western Cape outfit relinquished their impressive unbeaten run which extended across nineteen topflight fixtures, whilst, the Sea Robbers’ prolific scoring streak, some twenty games long, was brought to an end by Natal Rich Boyz.
Both sides will have to dig deep to ensure they collect maximum points in their remaining league outings. Steve Barker & Co have their backs against the wall as they welcome the champions-elect who are out to maintain their unbeaten run this season in the league. Following the visit of The Brazilians, they will tackle a volatile Richards Bay United side who will be desperate to escape the relegation play-offs.
Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro does not have it easy either. The Soweto Giants will travel to Nelspruit to face a feisty TS Galaxy team which has proven to be a tough customer. They will then return to Orlando Stadium for their final home game of the season against a SuperSport United side that has proven to be their arch-nemesis if recent history is anything to go by.
Regardless of which team eventually books their spot for the prestigious Continental competition, the race will certainly keep us glued to our screen until the final whistle of the season.
Written by Benny Mhlongo