With continental football taking South Africa’s big guns out of DStv Premiership action, there’s still plenty to feast our eyes upon as Swallows and SuperSport United have the chance to mark another statement in their pursuit for the title.
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports
Elsewhere, a massive six-pointer is on the horizon when Maritzburg United welcome Tshakhuma TM to the Harry Gwala Stadium. First up though, Golden Arrows face Stellenbosch in the Winelands.
*Please note that this preview was written prior to midweek’s DStv Premiership fixtures
5/2 Stellenbosch | Draw 2/1 | Golden Arrows 12/10 (17:00)
Stellenbosch could move up into the top eight with a win
over Golden Arrows here. Steve Barkers side, however, are winless in six
matches across all competitions. They did give Sundowns a scare in the Nedbank
Cup, eventually losing 3-2 after extra-time. Arrows were also dumped out of the
Nedbank Cup by their crosstown rivals, AmaZulu, losing 5-4 on penalties. To
date, Golden Arrows have still lost just the one time in the DStv Premiership. My
money is on a draw.
13/10 Maritzburg United | 2/1 | Tshakhuma TM 22/10 (17:00)
Maritzburg United have been going through a difficult patch
under Ernst Middendorp – the club’s first slump since he’s back at the Team of
Choice. In the league, Maritzburg United are winless in four games, losing
their last three in a row. Tshakhuma have lost five league matches on the
bounce, but somehow, managed to pull off one of the upsets of the season,
knocking SuperSport United out of the Nedbank Cup. Despite that result for
Tshakhuma, I still fancy Maritzburg United to get the job done and claim
maximum points.
Saturday 13 February
27/20 Bloemfontein Celtic | 22/10 | Chippa United 21/10
(15:00)
Both Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United have been
inconsistent this season with both clubs outside of the top eight so far. Celtic
have had their ups and downs this term, but what will be encouraging for the
hosts is that all of their victories came on home soil this season. Chippa have
played 10 of their 13 games away from home and as a result of that, the Chilli
Boys have found it hard to challenge in the top half. Siwelele have offered the
neutrals some fantastic entertainment, but conceding four goals in their last
two games across all competitions doesn’t sit well with me. Take Chippa
United to win or draw at 5/10.
19/20 SuperSport United | 5/2 | Cape Town City 5/2
(17:00)
Fireworks are always on show when SuperSport United meet
Cape Town City. For the past couple of years, both United and City have been
South Africa’s cup kings and have competed for top honours domestically. SuperSport
United are unbeaten in all eight of their home games, while Cape Town City have
been the highest scorers in the DStv Premiership this season. I’m expecting
this encounter to be one of the games of the season, but in terms of picking a
result, I foresee SuperSport United and Cape Town City sharing the spoils.
12/10 Swallows | 5/2 | AmaZulu 2/1 (15:30)
Benni McCarthy has finally got AmaZulu playing to his tune
which has seen Usuthu win their last three league games in succession, while
they also dumped Golden Arrows out of the Nedbank Cup via a penalty shootout. Swallows
still have their cloak of invincibility on as the Dube Birds remain unbeaten
after 14 games in the DStv Premiership. Swallows have been ultra-impressive
with Brandon Truter on course to be one of the coaches of the season. I’m
backing the Dube Birds to end AmaZulu’s winning streak this Sunday.
