Our football analyst looks at the moments that stood out in the Premier Soccer League this past weekend.
We’ve just experienced an exhilarating weekend of PSL action with some big matchups that will have serious repercussions on how the season ends. Orlando Pirates visited Mamelodi Sundowns, rejuvenated Free State Stars hosted title-chasing Cape Town City while relegation-threatened Platinum Stars and Ajax Cape Town went head to head. Here are the five things that stood out this past weekend.
1. Orlando Pirates are on the right track
After failing to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the league since 2014, Orlando Pirates finally overcame their hoodoo, beating the table toppers 3-1. It was interesting to note that Rulani Mokwena who was the assistant coach at Sundowns when they handed the Mighty Buccaneers a 6-0 drubbing in the same fixture last year was now on the opposite bench. His tactical intelligence is highly-rated and Pirates look very organised with him and Milutin Sredojevic on the bench.
We also have to acknowledge big performances by goalkeeper, Jackson Mabokgwane who kept the Brazilians at bay and Luvuyo Memela who has found home in the team’s newly-adopted 3-4-3 formation. He has scored three goals in the last two games. Overcoming a team of Sundowns’ calibre should boost the morale of the team.
2. Cape Town City yet to find a winning combination
Before the season started a lot was expected from Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City but now it looks like losing key players has set him back. The front four of Lehlohonolo Majoro, Lebogang Manyama, Aubrey Ngoma and Bongolwethu Jayiya has left and he has to start rebuilding the team. It seems like every single time he starts to find a winning combination; the team sells a key player.
McCarthy needs to make a big signing to bolster the team’s attack before the transfer window slams shut or hopefully one of the little known new signings will have something special to help revive the team.
3. AmaZulu need to act fast
After Usuthu’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Baroka FC, it was clear to all that they’re on the brink of relegation – considering the quality of opponents below them. They are above Platinum Stars and Bidvest Wits only due to superior goal difference. This calls for urgent action from the team to survive the chop.
AmaZulu secured PSL promotion via buying Thanda Royal Zulu’s status and going back down to the NFD would be so disappointing. They have now gone eight games without a win across all competitions. Will they improve the squad or sack the coach? Let’s wait and see.
4. SuperSport United in for a daunting week in KZN
Matsatsantsa who have just been left by their talisman, Jeremy Brockie who is joining Mamelodi Sundows look so troubled lately. They are in KwaZulu-Natal where they face three fixtures against all the teams from the province. Their defeat to Golden Arrows on Sunday stretched their winless run to eight games which saw them plummet to 12th on the log, only two points above the relegation zone. On Wednesday they visit resurgent Maritzburg United and they do battle with AmaZulu on Saturday. These two fixtures could decide coach Eric Tinkler’s future at the club.
5. Luc Eymael’s impact at Stars can’t be ignored
Luc Eymael has proved to the whole continent that he’s a tactically astute coach. After winning various trophies across the continent, including league titles in DRC and Gabon he came to South Africa where he took over a struggling Polokwane City side and helped them secure a top eight spot. He is now in charge of Free State Stars who were relegation threatened when he took over the coaching reigns.
Following the 1-0 victory over Cape Town City,Ea Lla Koto are now second on the log, challenging for the title. Can he repeat what he did in Gabon, helping Missile win their first league title ever in 2010/11? Time will tell.
