Our writer previews the South African NFD matchups gameweek eight of the 2016/17 campaign.
Round seven of the NFD saw plenty of twists and turns, upsets and entertaining encounters. But that is exactly what the ‘beautiful game’ is about. If you looking to make some money before the weekend, I’m feeling very confident in the midweek set of fixtures. Find out what’s worth a punt below!
Wednesday 26 October
Witbank Spurs 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | AmaZulu 28/10
Witbank Spurs returned to winning ways in tremendous fashion last weekend, ousting University of Pretoria 2-0 in their own back yard. Durbanites AmaZulu come to town in horrid form following their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch FC last time out, stretching their losing run to three consecutive matches.
Witbank will be glowing with confidence after their epic victory over AmaTuks, while their opponents seem to be on a downward spiral. Back the home side to come good.
FC Cape Town 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | Royal Eagles 16/10
FC Cape Town will be eager to find their feet following a second defeat on the bounce last time out. African Beasts are languishing in 11th place and will be desperate to capitalize on home advantage when they welcome free-scoring Royal Eagles to the NNK Rugby Stadium.
Eagles have been solid on their own turf, where they remain unbeaten with three wins from four games. However, after thrashing Magesi FC 6-1 last weekend, the KZN-based team will certainly be on a high. Royal Eagles have won the last four meetings against FC Cape Town and are tipped to make it five on the spin.
Thanda Royal Zulu 6/10 | Draw 24/10 | Milano United 9/2
Thanda Royal Zulu have been undeniably outstanding this term as they remain the only undefeated team in the league. They have won five of their seven matches, including an impressive 100% home win record.
Milano United have failed to hit the ground running with just two wins from seven games, scoring just five times in the process. Kinnes will need to be at their very best if they are to keep Thanda at bay and I just can’t see that happening. Get on the home win and don’t look back.
Stellenbosch FC 13/10 | Draw 21/10 | Jomo Cosmos 19/10
Stellenbosch FC have been in terrific form in recent weeks, claiming four victories from their last five matches. Nonetheless, they have won of the worst home records in the league thus far, suffering two defeats from three matches in their own backyard.
Jomo Cosmos’ three-match winning streak came to an end last weekend as they were held to a disappointing goalless home draw by a resilient, solid and organized Cape Town All Stars side. A tight matchup is on the cards and the teams are tipped to share the spoils.
Cape Town All Stars 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | Black Leopards 16/10
Cape Town All Stars stood their ground last Sunday as they ground out a hard-fought and well-deserved goalless stalemate at Jomo Cosmos. They will face yet another stern test in the form of Black Leopards, who have been inconsistent at best.
In the last five meetings between the sides, Cape Town All Stars are yet to be defeated in 90 minutes by Lidoda Duvha. Back the home win to claim maximum points.
Mbombela Utd 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | University of Pretoria 16/10
Mbombela United are currently placed 14th on the table, with just goal difference separating them from the relegation zone. The Mpumalanga-based side are without a win in their last five matches, including two defeats.
The University of Pretoria have struggled in recent weeks suffering three defeats from their last four matches, scoring only twice and conceding six times. A cagey affair is expected and the draw looks a likely result.
Magesi FC 23/10 | Draw 21/10 | Santos 11/10
Basement-dwellers Magesi FC have been diabolical with defeats from seven matches, scoring five goals and conceding 17 times. The newcomers have lost back-to-back matches, scoring just once and conceding nine times.
Santos have managed just one victory from a possible seven matches thus far. Nonetheless, they were impressive last time out as they held table-toppers Thanda Royal Zulu to a goalless draw. After that performance, I think they might just have what it takes to go one better and edge the win against the new boys on the block.
Real Kings FC 13/10 | Draw 21/10 | Mthatha Bucks 19/10
Newly-promoted Real Kings FC have been inconsistent up until this point, but their home form has been excellent as they remain unbeaten with two wins from three matches, scoring six goals and conceding only twice.
Mthatha Bucks have struggled on the road of late, suffering back-to-back defeats against Cape Town All Stars and Jomo Cosmos respectively (both 1-0 losses). This one will likely go down to the wire, but Real Kings are tipped to capitalize on home advantage.
TREBLE @ 10/1
Royal Eagles Win 16/10
Thanda Royal Zulu Win 6/10
Cape Town All Stars 16/10
Written by Aaron Crowie @Hollywoodbets
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