Can anybody catch Mamelodi Sundowns? Usually we’d say that time will tell, but now, the answer to that ridiculous question can be simply put: heck no. The Brazilians showed yet again why they’re the best team in the land, coming from behind to beat Stellenbosch 2-1 last Saturday. That result put Masandawana four points clear with two games in hand over second-placed Golden Arrows. Elsewhere, the tale of AmaZulu and TS Galaxy has been one to keep note of.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The resurgence of Usuthu in particular has been well-documented and has seen Benni McCarthy pick up the Coach of the Month accolade. There’s a full round of DStv Premiership matches to look forward to this weekend, which includes Africa’s biggest blockbuster, the Soweto Derby. So, without further ado, lets get straight into the action!
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore
Friday 19 March
28/10 Stellenbosch | Draw 22/10 | SuperSport United 19/20 (17:00)
Stellenbosch were seconds away from earning what would have been an impressive draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, but Peter Shalulile headed home the winner for the runaway leaders deep into stoppage time to disappoint the Winelands-based side. That result ended a two-game winning run for Stellies, who had beaten Cape Town City and Baroka. SuperSport United are winless in four league outings and should never be odds on favourites in this tie. My money is on the hosts to Win or Draw at 7/10.
Saturday 20 March
11/10 Golden Arrows | 21/10 | Cape Town City 5/2 (15:00)
Golden Arrows have a shot of getting revenge as they face Cape Town City, one of two teams to beat them so far in the league this term. Now, Arrows once again find themselves in a decent run of form, while City are hindering on the top eight spot and are winless in their last six league matches. Cape Town City’s backline has let them down far too often and with Seth Parusnath and Velemseni Ndwandwe shining for Arrows, Cape Town City could lose the midfield battle as well. I fancy Mandla Ncikazi’s side to claim maximum points.
24/10 Chippa United | 2/1 | Swallows 12/10 (15:30)
Swallows have the ultimate chance to return to winning ways when they travel to Gqeberha to face Chippa United. The hosts haven’t performed the way they had expected since returning to the Eastern Cape, enduring a four-game winless run at home in the DStv Premiership. Swallows’ drop-off has been well-documented and it now seems that the Dube Birds will be competing for a top eight spot, rather than the league title. Because of all the draws Swallows have been getting, there’s been a few more positives to take. Without regret, I’m backing the visitors to get back to winning ways.
12/10 Baroka | 2/1 | Bloemfontein Celtic 24/10 (15:30)
Two of the league’s most inconsistent sides lock horns on Saturday as Baroka welcome Bloemfontein Celtic to the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The hosts have won just one of their last seven encounters, but are still fairly distant from the relegation zone in 10th spot. Bloemfontein Celtic are currently winless in four league matches and are the only team in the DStv Premiership yet to win away from home. Despite Celtic’s struggles, Baroka are not a team we can have too much confidence in; therefore, I fancy a draw in this tie.
12/10 TS Galaxy | 2/1 | Maritzburg United 24/10 (17:00)
Maritzburg United have shown major signs of improvement in their recent matches, but silly lapses of concentration has let the Team of Choice down – particularly against Kaizer Chiefs where Ernst Middendorp’s men dominated the game, but let their one-goal lead slip right at the end to draw 1-1. Maritzburg United are on a three-game unbeaten run, but face one of the most in-form teams in the country. TS Galaxy are on an eight-game unbeaten run, which includes a 3-0 victory over Maritzburg United in these sides’ previous encounter. Owen Da Gama’s men look like a banker here.
Sunday 21 March
22/10 Kaizer Chiefs | 2/1 | Orlando Pirates 13/10 (15:00)
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8/10 AmaZulu | 23/10 | Tshakhuma 7/2 (15:30)
AmaZulu’s incredible nine-game unbeaten run will be put to the test when Benni McCarthy’s charges face a fiery Tshakhuma side. Not only have the results been forthcoming, but Usuthu’s style of play has also been outstanding to watch. Tshakhuma progressed through to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after beating Black Leopards 2-0 last weekend. In the league, the visitors were going through a bit of a purple patch, although they did lose to Golden Arrows in their last tie. AmaZulu to burst Tshakhuma’s bubble at 8/10 seems right, get on!
1/4 Sundowns | 15/4 | Black Leopards 12/1 (17:00)
David takes on Goliath in Sunday’s final fixture in the DStv Premiership as Mamelodi Sundowns host Black Leopards at Loftus Versfeld. The runaway leaders will look to distant themselves even further from the bottom-placed team in the division. Sundowns have won four league ties in a row and look nailed on to go the entire season unbeaten. They’re miles ahead of any other team in the country and should beat Leopards quite comfortable. Include Sundowns in all multiples.
TREBLE @ 11/2
Stellenbosch Win/Draw 7/10
TS Galaxy Win 12/10
AmaZulu Win 8/10
Written by Jesse Nagel
