The DStv Premiership kicks off early with an exciting matchup between SuperSport United vs TS Galaxy on Friday, which gives Matsatsantsa a chance to reclaim their position in second spot as we enter the business end of the season.
Friday 7 April
SuperSport United 8/10 | Draw 43/20 | TS Galaxy FC 39/10 (19:30)
SuperSport have the chance to claim second spot as the race for second heats up with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs all standing level on 40 points each. Superport were held to a 1-1 draw against Chippa United in their previous fixture – a dismal performance from the boys. Gavin Hunt will know the importance of this game and will need to pick up the pieces and get the all-important win if they look to tighten their grip on that CAF Champions League spot.
TS Galaxy have shown good character thus far, steadily climbing the log standings with important performances along the way. The Rockets fell short in their previous fixture. Although they lost the game against Maritzburg United, they certainly look a team on the rise as we fast approach the business end of the season. This is an important meeting for both teams, but I back the home team to get the win.
Saturday 8 April
Richards Bay 15/10 | Draw 2/1 | Golden Arrows 37/20 (15:00)
Richards Bay are far off the team they were at the start of the campaign. The Natal Rich Boys are a team low in confidence but still find themselves in the top six despite the decline in performances. Coach Vasili Manousakis and Pitso Dladla will pay a lot of attention on the upcoming fixtures as it can define their season after a remarkable start to life in the top-flight.
Golden Arrows played out to a goalless draw with Sekhukhune United – a result they were desperate to avoid which sees them still in the bottom half of the table. Abafana Bes’thende must take advantage of Richard Bay’s poor form and capitalize on the opportunity to close in on the top six before the season comes to an end. This is a derby match; it could go either way, but I give this one to the Rich Boys.
Chippa United 47/10 | Draw 5/2 | Orlando Pirates 6/10 (17:30)
Chippa are just two points above the relegation zone and have a huge mountain to climb when they welcome Orlando Pirates to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Chilli Boys have it all to play for in their quest to move further away from the relegation zone and secure their spot in the DStv Premiership next season.
Orlando Pirates have put their name in the cap for that Champions League spot and look determined and focused on what they need to do to achieve their goal. The Buccaneers have welcomed Thembinkosi Lorch’s form of late having a huge influence in the team after being on the side-lines for some time. Pirates will need his creativity and finesse in front of goal as they look to put the Chilli Boys to the sword. There is a lot at stake in this match, but I believe Pirates will be too strong on the day.
Sekhukhune United 1/1 | Draw 2/1 | Maritzburg United 31/10 (17:30)
Sekhukhune United are currently ninth on the table following a recent poor run of form that has seen them win just one of their last four league matches, and five-time PSL winner Sibusiso Vilakazi can be the catalyst for a revival in their remaining fixtures for Brandon Truter bringing in his experience and winning mentality into the team that could prove the difference.
Fadlu Davids has not had much joy at Maritzburg United, struggling to pull away from the relegation zone. Although they got that well-deserved win against TS Galaxy away from home, they still stay rooted to that 15th spot. The Team of Choice will need to treat every game as a final if they want to secure their spot in the DStv Premiership next season. This fixture could go both ways, I’m backing the home team to get the win.
Kaizer Chiefs 4/10 | Draw 34/10 | Marumo Gallants 6/1 (20:00)
Kaizer Chiefs have had a superb run of form of late, winning their previous four fixtures showing dominance and confidence in applying their game plane and getting their key players into spaces where they can capitalize on. And with their recent run of form, the Glamour Boys have put their name in the race for that coveted Champions League spot.
Marumo Gallants have qualified for the quarter-final stage in the CAF Confederations cup, which is a great achievement for the team, but have not been able to mirror the same performances in the league. Gallants have been rooted to the bottom of the table and look destined for relegation this season. Coach Dylan Kerr will be desperate to keep the franchise in the topflight but will know it will not be easy and will need to fight until the end regardless. Kaizer Chiefs for the win.
Sunday 9 April
Royal AM 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | Stellenbosch 22/10 (15:00)
John Maduka has returned to Royal AM after an inexplicable departure from Maritzburg United. Maduka has returned home to give the Durban-based team their best possible finish. Thwihli Thwahla will hope Maduka can hit the ground running and get them back to winning ways.
Stellenbosch have showed good character and fight to climb up the table and move well away from the relegation zone where they had been for most part of the season. Iqraam Rayners and Junior Mendieta have been instrumental for Barker in this fight that has Stellies occupying eighth spot just three points away from the top six, a position they would love to finish the season in. Stellenbosch for the win, they look a more stable team at this point.
Swallows 7/1 | Draw 7/2 | Mamelodi Sundowns 7/20 (15:00)
After Swallows’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, caretaker coach Musa Nyatama has urged his side to build on this in their remaining six matches to survive relegation.
The champions of the DStv Premiership will be on display once again to flex their muscles after a mammoth sixth consecutive league title. Sundowns have been impressive all season and it’s no surprise to see the Brazilians lift the trophy yet again. Rulani Mokwena has to take a lot of credit for the incredible job he is doing at the club. It is not easy to play at this consistent level Sundowns are playing at and credit to the players who trust his philosophy and approach towards the game and have now been rewarded for all their hard work. Sundowns will be professional and challenge Swallows on their home turf, Sundowns for the win.
Cape Town City 13/20 | Draw 24/10 | AmaZulu 9/2 (17:30)
Coach Eric Tinkler has been hard at work this season and knows the way forward for his team, and high intensity and aggression in the way they play will be a big factor in where they finish come end of the season. They have been decent this season but Tinkler knows they have more to offer and will be looking to grind out these coming fixtures in hopes to cement their spot in the top six.
In worrying scenes this past weekend, AmaZulu midfielder George Maluleka collapsed during a DStv Premiership match between Usuthu and Swallows FC, with medics having rushed to his aid after it appeared that he had stopped breathing, leaving everybody in panic mode. AmaZulu and Romain Folz have come under heavy scrutiny of late with poor performances that will need to be corrected before they find themselves in the relegation battle. Cape Town City to get the win at home.
