The Hollywoodbets Super League’s two-week break has come and gone, with the Copper Queens lifting their first Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship and Banyana Banyana losing two friendlies against Brazil during that period.
Our focus is now firmly on the domestic game. The title challenge is shaping up at the top of the table, with Mamelodi Sundowns showing why they were champions last season, while a couple of teams are looking to distance themselves further from the relegation zone.
Mcebo Mpungose previews this weekend’s games.
Saturday 17 September
32/10 Golden Ladies | Draw 2/1 | Coal City Wizards 17/20 (11:30)
Golden Ladies is the only side in the division that is yet to taste victory this season after 19 attempts. With just 11 games left, they are quickly running out of time to make enough points to remain in the Super League next season.
The home side has conceded the most goals this season (74) and has only been able to score 12; the joint worst goals scored record. With City Wizards visiting, they have an opportunity to get something from a side that has the second worst defence in the league.
City Wizards lost 3-2 against Ma-Indies in their last game, a side that has won 10 games this season, so this shows they are a competitive side. Double chance: I’m going to back a draw or win for Coal City Wizards.
7/2 Tsunami Queens | Draw 23/10 | Bloemfontein Celtic 7/10 (15:00)
15th-placed Tsunami Queens head into this game looking for a second win this campaign after finally picking up their first three points (against First Touch a month ago). Since that win, their record has returned to ‘default’ settings, losing twice and drawing once.
Meanwhile, Bloemfontein Celtic haven’t had an excellent record in their last three games, collecting four points out of nine. What’s important, though, is that they won their previous match against a team that has occupied the top spot for a few weeks (until Sundowns returned), TUT.
This should be a second consecutive win for the visiting side.
14/10 Thunderbirds | Draw 39/20 | TUT FC 37/20 (15:00)
Thunderbirds came from a goal down and managed to draw 2-2 against title challengers in their last fixture, showing they belong inside the top 8 in the Super League. This weekend, they face another side inside the top three and should be ready for another high-intensity game.
The only issue for Thunderbirds this season has been conceding as many goals as they score. They’ve scored more goals than fourth-positioned UWC, but their leaky defence has been their downfall this season.
Unfortunately, they face a side with a knack for goals in TUT and will need to bring their A game in defence. Either side could get a victory, but I’m tipping a draw.
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14/10 Richmond United | Draw 39/20 | UJ 37/20 (15:00)
The home side is playing catch-up in the Super League and could get as high as the fifth position if they win the three games they have in hand.
Games in hand, though, don’t mean guaranteed points. Their first huddle is UJ, a side that has won two and drew one in their last three games. Richmond has won their previous two games, scoring six goals, and is now looking like a side that will finish inside the top eight if their form continues.
Both sides have lost the exact number of games, but Richmond has scored more goals despite playing fewer games. I expect a goal fest and a victory for the home side.
11/20 Ma-Indies | Draw 51/20 | Vasco da Gama 44/10 (15:00)
The home side has only collected one point in its last three outings. They face a Vasco da Gama side that has been thrashed 4-0 twice in their previous three games. Honestly, Ma-Indies will be licking their lips ahead of this game, with Vasco’s defence looking short on confidence after looking like it was reinforced back in July.
This game presents an opportunity to return to winning ways, strengthening their position in the top eight. Double chance: Ma-Indies win or draw.
12/10 First Touch | Draw 2/1 | Durban Ladies 21/10 (15:00)
Durban Ladies visit a side that has managed a mixed bag of results in its last three games, winning once, losing once and drawing once. Meanwhile, they are on a three-game losing streak which has seen them drop to tenth position.
First Touch is hot on their heels in 11th position, and a win in this game will help them leapfrog the eThekwini-based side. It’s tough to call, but First Touch has been in better form recently, and they have a home advantage. A win for the home side is my pick.
Sunday 18 September
1/5 Mamelodi Sundowns | Draw 13/2 | UWC 11/1 (11:30)
Match of the weekend? Definitely! Fourth positioned UWC meets with the table-topping Sundowns Ladies, who will be looking to continue with their excellent form. Amasandawana has won all of their games since returning from the COSAFA Women’s Champions League, with their latest game a resounding 5-0 win against Richmond United.
UWC will pay a visit to the defending champions on the back of collecting eight points in their last four games. UWC has the second-best defence after Sundowns in the league, and they will need to be on top form to keep their attackers away from their goal.
UWC will be fired up for this one and could get something. I’ll go with a draw or win for Sundowns.
1/5 JVW | Draw 13/2 | City Lads 11/1 (15:00)
We end weekend action with a clash between title-chasing JVW versus 13th-positioned City Lads, who have only managed to win thrice this season. City Lads have won once in their last four games, a morale-boosting 4-3 victory against Thunderbirds. In their previous round, though, they were swept aside by a fired-up Sundowns and could fear meeting the same fate against a side that is only a position below Masandawana. JVW, on the other hand, has been in a great run of form, winning their last three games, scoring 14 goals, and only conceding once during that period.
The writing is almost on the wall for City Lads. I will be backing a victory for JVW and adding them on other multiples.
