Cape Town Spurs are relegated, but three more sides are still facing that prospect, although they could be saved by the play-offs. The race for the second position is now firmly between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, both sides seeking to return to winning ways after slumping to defeats in the previous week.
Here’s a preview of the DStv Premiership action coming your way this weekend.
Cape Town City vs Richards Bay | 15:00
Desperate to cement a top 8 finish, Cape Town City welcomes a rejuvenated Richards Bay in an important encounter that could seal the fate of both clubs. Eric Tinkler’s men have struggled for form in the second half of the season, winning just a single league match in 13 attempts since the turn of the year. Despite this poor run, the Citizens haven’t slipped out of the top 8 standings. A victory at home will ensure they cement their position in the top half of the table heading into the final matchday.
Four wins in six league matches have improved the mood in the Richards Bay camp as they look to escape the promotion/relegation play-offs. The Rich Boys produced a stunning 1-0 away win over Orlando Pirates last week, a result that condemned Cape Town Spurs to relegation. Still stuck in 15th place after collecting 13 points from a possible 18, Vusumuzi Vilakazi’s men need to win their remaining two matches so they can have a chance of surviving the play-offs.
The first round ended 3-1 in favor of Cape Town City, but I expect the Rich Boys to fight for their lives at DHL Stadium. Back the away side on the Double Chance.
Prediction: Draw/Richards Bay Win @ 1.64
Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City | 15:00
The Glamour Boys host Rise and Shine in a must-win encounter for both sides seeking to sneak into the top 8. Both teams are tied on 35 points as they occupy 8th and 9th positions respectively, while 12th-placed AmaZulu are two points behind in the chase. Chiefs were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Usuthu on Sunday, a performance that further exposed their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Cavin Johnson cut a frustrated figure yet again and could be more worried about the threat of missing out on the MTN 8 next season.
For a newly-promoted side, Polokwane City have achieved even beyond their own expectations. Despite recording a single victory in their past six league games, Rise and Shine have a chance to punch themselves into the top 8 debate should they shock the home side at FNB Stadium. Having played to a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United last week, Polokwane have now kept three clean sheets on the trot.
This is a six-pointer and the home side are desperate for the top 8 finish. Despite being off-form, Chiefs will secure all three points.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs Win @1.90
Bet Boosts for this match: Polokwane to Win or Draw & BTTS (Yes) | Was 2.94 | Now 3.30
Chiefs to Win Half Time and Full Time | Was 2.94 | Now 3.30
Stellenbosch vs Mamelodi Sundowns | 15:00
In what has been billed as the match of the weekend, a wounded Stellenbosch hosts perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Danie Craven Stadium. Although Sundowns smuggled a 2-1 win in the last encounter in the Cape Winelands, Steve Barker’s men are looking to arrest a two-game winless run that has threatened their second position on the log standings. Stellies lost to relegation-threatened Moroka Swallows in their last game and had stumbled to a goalless home draw against AmaZulu before that.
Mamelodi Sundowns are steamrolling into an invincible season with three matchdays left for them. The tough 2-0 win over Royal AM was their 51st DSTV Premiership match without defeat, leaving Rulani Mokwena in immortality status. The Brazilians have failed to assert their free-flowing football lately, but they always get the job done, which is what champions do. Sundowns need three more points to reach the elusive 72-point target mark and another victory at the Danie Craven will get them closer by three points.
Stellies did their best in the Nedbank Cup semifinal but they just can’t match the champions on the field. I’m going for a Sundowns win, but the home side will at least get a goal.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (Yes), which is available at an attractive 1.96
Bet Boosts for this match: Sundowns to Win Half Time and Full Time & Over 2.5 Goals in the Match | Was 5.12 | Now 6.25
Stellenbosch to Win & BTTS (Yes) | Was 8.03 | Now 9.30
TS Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates
Winless in their last four league outings on the road, TS Galaxy faces a hurt Orlando Pirates side in Mbombela. Sead Ramovic’s men seem to have run out of steam lately and have drawn their previous three matches, their last being the 1-1 stalemate at Cape Town City. The Rockets’ last win was against Moroka Swallows in Mbombela before enduring a torrid winless run on the road which included the 3-0 drubbing at Loftus Versfeld.
The Buccaneers’ seven-game winning streak was finally halted on Saturday, against the unlikeliest opponents, the relegation-battling Richards Bay. The loss further dented Pirates’ hopes of moving above Stellenbosch in the race for second place as they trail by one point in third place. Jose Riveiro hailed the performance of the dominant Bucs despite the defeat, which was their first at home in seven appearances across all competitions.
The Buccaneers will return to winning ways with a victory here.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates Win @2.36
