League action finally returns in Mzansi and it kicks off with a bang! Domestic treble chasers, Mamelodi Sundowns, look to make full use of their game in hand against Orlando Pirates, although the league champions will know that the task at hand will not be easy, considering the fact that they last beat Pirates in the league back in 2017.A day later, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table when they host Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium. Amakhosi are four points ahead of Sundowns ahead of the restart and will be aiming to get closer to ending their trophy drought with just eight games to go.
Tuesday 11 August
Mamelodi Sundowns 14/10
Draw 2/1
Orlando Pirates 2/1
Mamelodi Sundowns restart their league campaign with a stern test against Josef Zinnbauer’s Orlando Pirates. For a while now, this fixture is often seen as the most exciting encounter in the Absa Premiership calendar considering the brand of football these two clubs associate themselves with.
During lockdown, Sundowns also re-appointed Rhulani Mokwena as their assistant coach again, with the former Pirates coach expected to share some insight with Pitso Mosimane from his time with the Buccaneers. Downs, however, will have Gaston Sirino serving his suspension for the last time as Mosimane’s gear up for a rough few weeks ahead of them. Pre-lockdown, Pirates were going through a two-game goal drought, although their record away from Orlando Stadium was fairly impressive. I’m expecting these sides to cancel each other out here.
Wednesday 12 August
Kaizer Chiefs 11/10
Draw 21/10
Bidvest Wits 5/2
The break may have been what Kaizer Chiefs needed with Ernst Middendorp’s men suffering from tired legs before the interval which saw Chiefs win just one of their last four matches across all competitions. With ample time to prepare for their encounter against Bidvest Wits, Chiefs should be more equipped to put the Clever Boys to the sword.
Regarding Wits, there’s so much uncertainty ahead of their restart. Rumours, which are unconfirmed at the moment, suggest that some of the senior players are going on strike due to the club being sold to Masala Mulaudzi with no information on what will happen to their contracts which will expire mid-season. Away from FNB Stadium, Chiefs have looked brilliant – but that was before the lockdown. It’s tough to predict which Amakhosi side could pitch up on the day, but with Wits in crisis mode, Middendorp’s men should take full advantage and claim maximum points.
DOUBLE TIPPED @ 5/1
Sundowns vs Pirates Draw 2/1
Kaizer Chiefs Win 11/10
Jesse Nagel
