Our writer previews the round 14 of the South African NFD.
The NFD has proved to be unpredictable at times this season. Thanda Royal Zulu and Stellenbosch – two teams that struggled near the bottom of the log last season – are challenging at the summit for the all-important title.
New boys on the block Magesi FC have failed to prove themselves worthy of a place in South Africa’s second division, while Santos have picked up where they left off from last season – fighting relegation. There is still much more we can discuss, but let’s keep it short and sweet. There’s eight cracking encounters this weekend with plenty of value on the betting front. Let’s get to it!
Saturday 10 December
Magesi FC 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | Black Leopards 16/10
Bottom-of-the-log Magesi FC have been dismal thus far with just two wins from 16 games, scoring a measly 10 goals in the process. Black Leopards have been inconsistent in recent weeks but look the stronger team at present.
It’s an eight-point difference between the sides on the standings, but I will still that it’s a game that will go down to the wire. However, Lidoda Duvha are tipped to do enough to edge the victory.
Mbombela United 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Witbank 21/10
Mbombela United will welcome Witbank Spurs to the Kanyamazane Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The home side are unbeaten in their last four matches, including back-to-back victories on their ground.
Witbank have also been impressive in recent weeks as they remain unbeaten in their last four games with two wins. Last season Siyavutha won this meeting 1-0, before Mbombela got their revenge in the second leg by the same scoreline. The draw is on the cards.
Mthatha Bucks 11/10 | Draw 21/10 | FC Cape Town 24/10
Mthatha Bucks are unbeaten in their last seven matches and will be determined to maintain that record against FC Cape Town. They are also undefeated on home soil, so it will take a top performance from their opponents to come away with a point, let alone three.
FC Cape Town have been poor of late with two defeats on the bounce and that doesn’t look like improving here. Both meetings ended 1-1 last season, but Mthatha Bucks are tipped to come out on top this time around.
Real Kings FC 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | Stellenbosch FC 16/10
Newly-promoted Real Kings FC will take on title-chasers Stellenbosch FC on Saturday. The home side have been poor of late, suffering two defeats on the trot. Their opponents are unbeaten in their last seven matches and are good value to claim the victory here.
Real Kings FC have begun to slide in recent weeks and should Stellenbosch FC remain as solid as they have been, the Durbanites could be in for a long afternoon. Back the away team to claim maximum points.
Royal Eagles 1/1 | Draw 22/10 | Jomo Cosmos 5/2
Royal Eagles and Jomo Cosmos will collide in what promises to be a humdinger of a match. Eagles have been brilliant at home as they remain unbeaten with five wins on the spin. Jomo Cosmos have lost their last three travels, scoring just once and conceding six times.
Royal Eagles have never beaten Jomo Cosmos, suffering three defeats and three draws, including a 5-0 thumping last time around. However, they are looking too good on home soil this season and are tipped to end Ezenkosi reign of terror over them.
Santos 18/10 | Draw 2/1 | AmaZulu 15/10
Relegation-candidates Santos have been horrendous as they remain without a win in 12 matches. AmaZulu returned to winning ways last time out with an impressive come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Royal Eagles.
Usuthu are unbeaten against Santos in the last seven meetings with three wins and four draws. A tight matchup is on the cards, but AmaZulu are tipped to nip the win.
Sunday 11 December
Milano United 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | University of Pretoria 28/10
Milano United and University of Pretoria are lie 10th and 11th on the table respectively, with both teams placed on 17 points. Those statistics will give you an idea of just how tight of a matchup this will be.
Milano United are unbeaten in their last six home games, including three victories on the spin. AmaTuks have been diabolical on their travels with four losses from six matches, including three defeats on the trot. The home win should be backed.
Thanda Royal Zulu 5/10 | Draw 26/10 | Cape Town All Stars 11/2
Thanda Royal Zulu remain the only unbeaten team in the league and will do their utmost best to maintain that terrific record. They have won all six of their home games, scoring 18 goals and conceding just four times.
Cape Town All Stars will be eager to be the first team to bring Amabhubesi to their knees, but it will take a near perfect performance from them to do so. They are winless on the road, scoring six goals and conceding 13 times. The home win is a banker bet.
TREBLE @ 9/1
Stellenbosch FC (16/10)
AmaZulu Win (15/10)
Thanda Royal Zulu Win (5/10)
Written by Aaron Crowie @Hollywoodbets
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