The DSTV Premiership approaches the business end of the season, and we have a full set of midweek fixtures. Wednesday is packed with four matches to look forward to. Here’s a breakdown with predictions.
Chippa United vs Cape Town Spurs | Wednesday | 19:30
Ernst Middendorp’s young side visits the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium looking to return to winning ways after failing to win in any of their last three league games.
After collecting five points in three matches, the Chilli Boys have failed to build on that early momentum. They have lost two successive matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City recently. The successive setbacks have left them in 14th position and are now nine points off the relegation chop.
Just like their opponents, Cape Town Spurs are winless in three games and have secured two points during that run. Two successive wins in February had people betting for Spurs to escape relegation ahead of Richards Bay, but the 1-0 loss to Swallows on the weekend will draw further scrutiny.
A draw is the most likely option, but the away side is desperate and may edge this tie. Back them on the Double Chance.
Prediction: Draw/Cape Town Spurs
Golden Arrows vs SuperSport United | Wednesday | 19:30
Golden Arrows host SuperSport United looking to secure a third league win in a row under new coach Steve Komphela. Abafana Bes’thende have quickly bought into Komphela’s ideas, and after just two games, they have moved into the lucrative top 8 position. The weekend’s 2-1 win over Richards Bay earned them bragging rights but, most importantly, the psychological edge that their opponents are lacking. Arrows’ players look different and inspired, a stark contrast to how they looked when they struggled during the 11-match losing run under Mabhudi Khenyeza.
SuperSport, on the other hand, have all but failed to challenge for the league title after recording four straight 1-1 draws. This winless run has seen AmaTsatsantsa surrender their position behind Mamelodi Sundowns, and they now sit at fifth on the log standings.
I think SuperSport will win here, even though they might struggle. I suggest taking on the Double Chance for security.
Prediction: Draw/SuperSport United
Moroka Swallows vs Orlando Pirates | Wednesday | 19:30
Moroka Swallows meet Orlando Pirates in the Original Soweto Derby looking to secure a second straight league victory. The Dube Birds ended an 11-match winless run when they beat Cape Town Spurs 1-0 thanks to Gabadihno Mhango’s 86th winner. The financially stricken Swallows had last won in November last year when they beat TS Galaxy in Dobsonville Stadium. The win breathed hope to Swallows who have dropped to 13th place in the DSTV Premiership table.
The Buccaneers continued their stuttering league form and their 2-1 loss to Sekhukhune United highlighted more cracks in the Bucs ship. One clean sheet in five games is a poor reading for a team of Pirates’ quality. Pirates’ poor form has seen them alternate between second and fifth place on the log, and a continued downfall may see other teams dislodge them in the top 8.
Pirates comfortably won the first round 2-0, and I just don’t see the Dube Birds stopping them again. Add Pirates on the Straight Win.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates Straight Win
TS Galaxy vs Royal AM | Wednesday | 19:30
TS Galaxy’s pursuit of a place in the top 8 continues when they face Royal AM at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday.
The Rockets earned a good 2-0 win over AmaZulu on Saturday and are now just a point away from a place in the top half of the table. The victory ended a run of three games without winning, stretching back to 18 February. Sead Ramovic’s men have Samir Nurkovic in their arsenal, and the striker has six league goals this season despite coming off the bench in most of the games.
Royal AM suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch over the weekend and had already conceded three times after 56 minutes of play. Following the result, Royal AM remains in 11th place on the log as they suffered their third loss in five games.
Thwihli Thwahla have lost their last two games on the road, conceding four times in the process. Add Galaxy on all your multiples.
Prediction: TS Galaxy Straight Win
