DStv Premiership action continues this weekend with struggling Kaizer Chiefs visiting Richards Bay. AmaZulu face Orlando Pirates again in a space of a week, while TS Galaxy have a tricky encounter against Stellenbosch FC. Here’s a preview of selected matches.
Sekhukhune United vs Cape Town Spurs | 17:00 | 20 April
Although Babina Noko are winless in three league outings, they are also undefeated in eight matches, and they deservedly finished in the top spot in the PSL Q3 rankings. In a display that embodied their newly found spirit, Lehlogonolo Seema’s charges equalized in the 86th minute of their 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch on Wednesday. With forward Chibuike Ohizu coming off the bench to level the scores against Stellies, Seema is spoilt for choice in attack heading into the final six matchdays.
Barring a sudden upturn in form to coincide with other results, Cape Town Spurs are returning to the second division after a solitary season in the top flight. After recording two consecutive wins in February, Ernst Middendorp’s side is winless on five occasions, losing the last three. Spurs lost 1-0 in their last game at Mamelodi Sundowns, with Middendorp cutting a frustrated figure.
Spurs have not kept a clean sheet in five matches, and that trend will continue in Polokwane.
Prediction: Additional Totals Over 1.5 @ 1.39
Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu | 17:30 | 20 April
The inconsistent nature of results in the DSTV Premiership has worked out well for several coaches, and one of them is Pablo Martin of AmaZulu. Although Usuthu have registered just a single win in six games, they still have a shot at landing in the top eight if they can find the winning formula. They have tallied six points from a possible 15 during that run. Cijimpi has prided himself on the historical milestones he has achieved at the club, but on the contrary, his team is languishing in 12th position on the log table.
Cijimpi blasted the poor officiating in the entertaining 4-2 defeat against the Buccaneers in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals last weekend. The two sides meet again in the league on Saturday, with Jose Riveiro’s side riding high thanks to their goal-scoring form. Pirates have netted 11 times in two successive games, continuing their pursuit of retaining the Nedbank Cup and finishing second in the DSTV Premiership. With Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Relebogile Mofokeng combining to deadly effect upfront, the Buccaneers look menacing ahead of their reunion with Usuthu.
Add the home win on all your multiples.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates Win @1.46
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs | 15:00 | 21 April
Stumbling in the fight against relegation, Richards Bay seems destined for the survival playoffs amid a poor return in results since February. The Rich Boys have been beaten on four occasions in the previous six games, drawing once and winning once against a struggling Moroka Swallows on April 6. The KZN side, struggling to score goals and defend at the back in equal measure, has stuck in 15th place since the turn of the year.
Without a win in four successive league outings, Kaizer Chiefs travel to King Zwelithini with the aim of arresting their recent slump. The 2-0 loss to Chippa United two weeks ago further dented the club’s ambition of returning to the CAF inter-club competitions next season. The Glamour Boys are in eighth place on the log, level on points with Golden Arrows below them in ninth position. The goal-shy Chiefs have netted once in three matches and will need to improve if they are to ward off competition in the race for the top 8.
Chiefs are hardly convincing at the moment; Richards Bay may secure a draw at best here.
Prediction: Richards Bay/Draw
TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch | 17:30 | 21 April
Eager to continue their impressive league form, TS Galaxy hosts high-flying Stellenbosch on Sunday in a game that may change the complexion of the top eight standings. Galaxy’s three consecutive league victories have put them into fifth position, three places below Stellenbosch in second place. Still with a game in hand, the Rockets could shoot into second if they win the next two games. They succumbed to a painful exit in the Nedbank Cup last weekend, losing 2-0 to Chippa United in the quarterfinals.
Having won twice already against Galaxy this season, Steve Barker’s men will be motivated to continue their good run against the Rockets. The 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday extended their undefeated streak to 22 in all competitions, continuing their push to qualify for CAF inter-club competitions next season. Centre-back Anicet Oura, who scored in midweek, will be vital in stopping Galaxy’s strike force consisting of the in-form Samir Nurkovic and Lehlogonolo Mojela.
I’m leaning towards a draw, but a few goals may be scored here.
Prediction: Additional Totals Over 1.5
