It’s another weekend of just five fixtures in the DStv Premiership as the big guns gear up for CAF football once again. Domestically, there’s been plenty of action with Luc Eymael infamously back in the country, taking up a role as Chippa United’s Technical Advisor. That came after the Chilli Boys’ embarrassing 5-1 defeat at Maritzburg United. Elsewhere, Swallows drew yet again, while AmaZulu’s win streak continued, putting them joint-second alongside fellow Durbanites, Golden Arrows.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore
Friday 9 April
5/2 Stellenbosch | Draw 43/20 | AmaZulu 12/10 (17:00)
Stellenbosch were given last weekend off, but returned to action against Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday. The Winelands-based side have been inconsistent this term and are winless in their last six home games in the DStv Premiership. AmaZulu picked up their fourth successive victory in the league last weekend, keeping clean sheets in all of those wins. Benni McCarthy’s men are now joint-second, only behind Golden Arrows on goal difference. Usuthu should be considered a banker here.
Saturday 10 April
14/10 Cape Town City | 24/10 | SuperSport United 19/10 (15:00)
Two of South Africa’s most recent cup teams go to war against each other yet again as SuperSport United make the trip to the Western Cape to take on Cape Town City. Both United and City have been inconsistent this season, with neither club strongly contending for the CAF spots. SuperSport United may be somewhat in and around the mix, but the way results have gone, Kaitano Tembo’s men are only heading down. Both clubs come into this game with quite a lengthy winless run, so perhaps backing them to cancel each other out makes perfect sense.
7/10 TS Galaxy | 26/10 | Tshakhuma FC 4/1 (17:00)
TS Galaxy returned to action exactly where they left off, losing yet again, this time to Bloemfontein Celtic. Before the break, it was Maritzburg United who inflicted defeat on the Rockets. After a stellar start to life at TS Galaxy, Owen Da Gama now finds himself in jeopardy of finishing outside the top eight. Tshakhuma were also one of the teams who were given a break last weekend, but returned to action in midweek against the champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The Limpopo-based side have had their ups and downs this term, and despite having a couple of games in hand, they still find themselves in danger of relegation. My money is on the hosts to bounce back to winning ways.
Sunday 11 April
6/10 Golden Arrows | 11/4 | Bloemfontein Celtic 52/10 (15:00)
Golden Arrows stretched their unbeaten run to five matches in the DStv Premiership, holding Swallows to a 1-1 draw this past weekend. That result kept Mandla Ncikazi’s men second, ahead of AmaZulu on goal difference. Arrows’ draw against Swallows also meant that the Durban-based side have moved into double figures for the amount of draws they’ve had this term. Bloemfontein Celtic finally returned to winning ways last weekend, beating TS Galaxy 2-1 in the Free State. Before that, Celtic had gone five games without victory. I fancy Arrows to make home advantage count and claim maximum points.
11/10 Swallows | 24/10 | Black Leopards 23/10 (17:00)
Swallows are on a disappointing nine-game winless run in the DStv Premiership, last winning a game way back in January. In case you needed reminding, Easter was last weekend. Its been one of the biggest drop-offs in football considering where Swallows were at the start of the year. Black Leopards are currently suited as the best possible opposition for Swallows right now with Lidoda Duvha rock-bottom of the standings, losing four of their last five matches. Something tells me Swallows grind out a win here.
TREBLE @ 5/1AmaZulu Win 12/10
TS Galaxy Win 7/10
Golden Arrows Win 6/10
Written by Jesse Nagel
