Our writer previews the round 26 of the South African National First Division.
With just five rounds of NFD football to go, Thanda Royal Zulu are nine points clear of nearest title rivals AmaZulu in second place. The latter will lock horns with third placed Black Leopards on Saturday in a clash that will have massive ramifications on the run-in for the title, as well as play-off places.
Further down the log, it’s pretty much all over for Santos, who are seven points off safety – mathematically they can still make it but when people generally use the term mathematically, just know the chances of it happening are slim to none. Let’s find out what’s good on the betting front in round 26.
Friday 28 April
Cape Town All Stars 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Uni. of Pretoria 21/10
We kick-start proceedings with Cape Town All Stars taking on University of Pretoria at Parow Park. The home side have been poor in recent weeks, going seven matches without a victory in all competitions, suffering three defeats and four draws.
University of Pretoria have been in terrible form with five losses from their last six games. This one will go down to the wire, making the draw a likely result.
Saturday 29 April
Black Leopards 1/1 | Draw 22/10 | AmaZulu 5/2
Black Leopards return to their ground where they have won four of their last five matches. At the time of writing Lidoda Duvha are yet to play their game in hand against Jomo Cosmos. AmaZulu are the form team in the league with four straight victories.
The Durbanites have also won four of the last six meetings between the teams and look good value to build on that. But with the stakes so high, it would be best to back Usuthu on the win/draw Double Chance at 13/20.
Witbank 15/20 | Draw 23/10 | Milano United 7/2
Witbank and Milano United will go toe-to-toe in what looks to be an enticing contest. Siyavutha have lacked consistency this season and have been nothing more than average. Nonetheless, just like many other teams before them, they will look to capitalise on Milano United’s terrible record on the road.
The Cape Town-based side have lost 10 of their 12 travels, scoring 11 goals and conceding 32 times. Milano have lost 10 of their last 13 matches and that doesn’t look like improving here. The home win is tipped confidently.
FC Cape Town 14/10 | Draw 2/1 | Jomo Cosmos 19/10
FC Cape Town have struggled over the last few months and as a result, find themselves in the middle of a relegation dogfight. They are without a win in their last 10 matches, suffering five defeats and five stalemates.
Jomo Cosmos have been disappointing in recent weeks and their away record has been terrible this term. The last five meetings between these sides have ended in a draw with both sides finding the back of the net. Looking at the respective teams’ form, another stalemate is on the cards.
Stellenbosch FC 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Mthatha Bucks 21/10
Stellenbosch FC will take on an out of sorts Mthatha Bucks side on Saturday afternoon. The home team have been impressive on their grounds in recent weeks with three wins from their last four matches.
Mthatha Bucks have been poor of late with back-to-back defeats, scoring just once and conceding four times. They are winless in their last four travels and should go down. Get on the home win.
Mbombela United 6/10 | Draw 24/10 | Santos 9/2
Mbombela United are unbeaten in their last five matches, including back-to-back wins, scoring six goals and conceding just once. They were outstanding last time out as they hammered Milano United 4-0 in front of their own fans.
Santos look as though they’ll face the drop this season with just three wins from 25 matches. The People’s Team have lost four matches on the spin and are yet to win a match away from home. Back Mbombela for the all-important victory.
Real Kings FC 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Royal Eagles 21/10
Newly promoted Real Kings FC have taken the NFD by storm and currently find themselves in contention for a play-off place. The Durbanites have won three of their last four matches and have been strong on their ground this term.
Royal Eagles were challenging for the NFD title just a few weeks ago. Now, they find themselves under pressure, battled for a top three finish. Goals are expected here with both sides going all out for the win. Back Real Kings to make home advantage count.
Sunday 30 April
Thanda Royal Zulu 4/10 | Draw 3/1 | Magesi FC 7/1
Thanda Royal Zulu and Magesi FC will round of matchday 26. Amabhubesi are top of the table and are unbeaten in their last six matches. They are unbeaten on their ground with nine wins and three draws from 12 games, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 10 times.
Magesi FC have been impressive of late with two wins on the bounce but that doesn’t change the fact that they have the worst away record in the league. The home win looks a banker bet!
TREBLE TIPPED @ 5/1
Witbank Win (15/20)
Stellenbosch FC Win (12/10)
Mbombela United Win (6/10)
Written by Aaron Crowie @Hollywoodbets
Bet on these matches now at Hollywoodbets.net! Haven’t got an account? Open one here!
