DStv Premiership football returns after football fans got to return to experience live football in the country again as Bafana Bafana hosted Ethiopia earlier this week.
As we move one step closer where we need to be, with fans in the stadium, football in the league continues as the show must go on. The Tshwane-based sides are still leading the way as Mamelodi Sundowns spearhead the standings, while SuperSport United sit four points behind them in second place. Like the two Pretoria clubs, Stellenbosch are also undefeated this term after six matches.
Saturday 16 October
Sekhukhune United 15/10 | Draw 2/1 | Cape Town City 19/10 (15:30)
Sekhukhune United seemed to have turned the corner before the international break, claiming four points from their last two encounters, which included a commendable 1-0 victory away to TS Galaxy. Cape Town City have raised their hand to be nominated to be labelled as the ‘draw kings’ this season, holding their opponents out to three stalemates from five matches. City seem to have bigger fish to fry in the immediate future with the final of the Nedbank Cup coming up. My money is on a draw here.
SuperSport United 7/10 | Draw 23/10 | Baroka FC 17/4 (17:00)
SuperSport United have been impressive this term and sit only behind their crosstown-rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, after conceding just twice in six matches. Ronwen Williams has been in fine form for Bafana Bafana and should continue his impressive run against Baroka. The Limpopo-based club been both hot and cold this campaign, and just about make it into the top eight of the current log standings. They have, however, lost 50% of their matches played this season. I fancy SuperSport United here.
Kaizer Chiefs 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Chippa United 3/1 (17:30)
Gavin Hunt returns to Kaizer Chiefs in hope of getting three points, a feat that didn’t come too often during his time in Naturena. With Chippa United, it hasn’t been the brightest start for Hunt, who has won just one game with the Chilli Boys this season. Kaizer Chiefs are one point and one place ahead of Hunt’s side, and are winless in their last four outings in the DStv Premiership. Despite their form, I’m having a punt on Amakhosi to claim maximum points.
Sunday 17 October
Swallows 22/10 | Draw 2/1 | Stellenbosch 13/10 (15:30)
Stellenbosch will be hoping to pick up where they left off before the international break, as they managed to claim 12 points from their first six matches. Stellies are unbeaten and have already faced the likes of Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Cape Town City. Swallows have been disappointing this term, especially since the part-time dismissal of Brandon Truter. The Dube Birds have lost three of their last four matches and are winless in five games. Still, somehow, I expect a draw between these two sides.
Tuesday 19 October
TS Galaxy 3/1 | Draw 22/10 | AmaZulu 9/10 (17:30)
TS Galaxy are rock-bottom after failing to win any of their DStv Premiership matches this season. The Rockets also have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 11 times. AmaZulu have had a tough schedule to kick-start the new season and are just one place off the top eight. Usuthu have lost just once in the league, losing to Sundowns, while they have also managed to draw with Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and SuperSport United. This could be the banker of midweek- get on AmaZulu.
Wednesday 20 October
Golden Arrows 7/2 | Draw 23/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 8/10 (15:30)
The tie of the round sees Golden Arrows host Sundowns on Wednesday with the Durban-based side looking to inflict the first defeat of the season for the Brazilians. Sundowns have just been levels above the rest of the league this campaign and look to have no weaknesses in their play. Arrows have conceded 10 goals in six outings, which is worrying when coming up against the best in the business. Many may disagree, but this should be a routine victory for Downs.
Marumo Gallants 5/1 | Draw 24/10 | Royal AM 6/10 (17:00)
Marumo Gallants have been an eyesore this season, earning just two points so far. They’re yet to win this season and have scored just once this term. Royal AM are joint-second in the standings with 12 points to their name. The KZN-based side, who have made numerous headlines in the past couple of weeks, scored 12 goals already – more than any other team in the division, while the motivation of bonuses seems to be a huge factor in their results. It’s hard to look past Royal AM here.
Maritzburg United 22/10 | Draw 2/1 | Orlando Pirates 13/10 (17:30)
The Davids brothers will look to get one over each other as Fadlu will hope to have a hand in Mandla Ncikazi’s decisions, while Maahier will be in Ernst Middendorp’s ears. Just three points separate these two sides with Pirates above Maritzburg, drawing three times more than the KZN side. It’s not going to be easy, but somehow Pirates are my fancy here – at 13/10, it’s where I’ll put my money.
TREBLE @ 4/1
SuperSport United Win 7/10
Sundowns Win 8/10
Royal AM Win 6/10
