Football in Mzansi returns this weekend with international football now done and dusted for the remainder of 2020. Mamelodi Sundowns have started off the season the strongest, claiming seven points from their opening three matches, being the only team yet to concede a goal in the DStv Premiership.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
There’s been plenty of mixed feelings over Kaizer Chiefs’ start with Gavin Hunt’s side claiming one win, a draw and losing one of their opening three matches, so consistency is something the four-time PSL winning coach has to work. As far as the surprise packages go, Swallows and Baroka FC look to be the early pacesetters with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore
Saturday 21 November
Stellenbosch 12/10
Draw 2/1
Chippa United 24/10
After a decent run in the bio-bubble towards the back end of last season, Stellenbosch haven’t had the most glorious start to life in the DStv Premiership, failing to win any of their opening three games. Chippa United have claimed four points off Cape Town City, Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United, which will be considered as overachieving, but Lehlohonolo Seema will be hopeful that he can get even more out of the current crop of players. Bienvenu Eva Nga has been an excellent addition from Bidvest Wits with three goals already to his name. My money is on the Chilli Boys to win or draw at 11/20.
Golden Arrows 5/2
Draw 21/10
Kaizer Chiefs 11/10
Golden Arrows will be looking to defy the odds and overcome one of their biggest challenges this season when they host Kaizer Chiefs at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. Arrows have started off brightly, drawing at Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC, while they also beat SuperSport United 3-1 at this exact same venue.
Kaizer Chiefs have struggled for goals in Samir Nurkovic’s absence with the Glamour Boys scoring just one goal in three matches this campaign. In fact, the solitary goal that Chiefs scored came courtesy of Chippa United’s Gregory Damons, who netted an own goal. Golden Arrows are yet to keep a clean sheet as well, so something has got to give this Saturday. My money is on a draw.
Black Leopards 14/10
Draw 2/1
Maritzburg United 2/1
Two of the DStv Premiership’s poorest performers meet this weekend as Black Leopards host Maritzburg United in Thohoyandou. Both sides have lost all three of their matches played so far, although Leopards trail by goal difference after scoring just one goal this term, while they’ve also conceded seven times – more than any other team in the division.
Results have gone against Maritzburg United, but Eric Tinkler’s side have still played some decent football, which suggests their fortunes could turn around soon. Thabiso Kutumela looks to be an excellent option as an Anytime Scorer, although I would suggest you play it safer and take the Team of Choice on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 9/20.
Orlando Pirates 11/10
Draw 21/10
SuperSport United 5/2
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Swallows 11/10
Draw 21/10
TS Galaxy 5/2
Saturday night’s late kick-off pits two of the new boys in the same arena as Swallows host TS Galaxy at Dobsonville Stadium. The Dube Birds have already begun the new campaign on a high note, winning two of their opening three matches, beating Bloemfontein Celtic and Tshakhuma FC.
Dan Malesela has got TS Galaxy playing some fine football, and defensively, the Rockets have also looked solid. TS Galaxy were in decent form before the break, beating AmaZulu 1-0 and holding Kaizer Chiefs to a goalless draw. I’ll back a draw between these two sides.
Sunday 22 November
Tshakhuma FC 24/10
Draw 2/1
Baroka 12/10
Tshakhuma FC have made headlines for all the wrong reasons and haven’t produced the football to turn our attention onto the pitch with results not forthcoming for the Limpopo-based side. They’re winless in their opening three matches, while Baroka have been, as mentioned, one of the early pacesetters. Bakgaga have also scored six goals this term – more than any other club in the DStv Premiership. To me, Baroka FC looks like one of the best bets of the weekend.
Cape Town City 11/10
Draw 21/10
Bloemfontein Celtic 5/2
Cape Town Stadium hosts one of the most entertaining ties in the DStv Premiership when Cape Town City lock horns with Bloemfontein Celtic. Beautiful football is definitely on the horizon with both of these teams well-associated with playing attractively and are certainly not shy to chip in with a goal or two. Both City and Celtic haven’t had the best of starts, but with Mduduzi Mdantsane in fine form for Jan Olde Riekerink’s side, I expect the hosts to claim maximum points.
Sundowns 4/10
Draw 3/1
AmaZulu 7/1
Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to flex their muscles in the league once again when they host AmaZulu. Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena have got off to a near-perfect start, winning two of their opening three games, beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 and Cape Town City 2-0.
Masandawana are also yet to concede a single goal this campaign. Much has been asked of AmaZulu for the season and as much as a top four finish might be too difficult to attain, Usuthu have actually looked decent. Lehlohonolo Majoro and Luvuyo Memela are in fine form and will fancy their chances of ending Downs’ impressive defensive record. Sadly for AmaZulu, its hard to put your money against Sundowns here.
TREBLE @ 11/2
Baroka FC Win 12/10
Cape Town City Win 11/10
Sundowns Win 4/10
Written by Jesse Nagel
