The DStv Premiership offers mouth-watering encounters to look forward to this weekend, with teams at the top of the table trying to cement their places while the bottom sides fight for survival as we fast approach the end of this fascinating season.
Saturday 29 April
Royal AM | Draw | Cape Town City (15:00)
Royal AM looked to have bounced back to winning ways when they faced TS Galaxy away from home in their previous fixture when they went ahead early in the game. But after a positive start for Thwihli Thwahla, they conceded right at the death of the game and were forced to settle for just a point. The Durban-based club have another chance to correct their wrongs when they welcome the Blue and Gold army to the Chatsworth Stadium.
Erik Tinkler has done a great job with his team thus far, playing a good brand of football that suits their style of play and despite the loss to Orlando Pirates prior to this matchup, showed a lot of positives in their performance which they’ll look to improve on as they fight it out to finish in the top six of the DStv Premiership. It should be an exciting match and I’m backing Cape Town City to win.
Stellenbosch | Draw | Golden Arrows (17:30)
Stellenbosch have their character and determination to thank after an impressive display by knocking out the champions Mamelodi Sundowns out of the Nedbank Cup and backing that result with another outstanding win in their previous fixture against the Dube Birds. Stellies’ home form has been good but will not take anything for granted and continue to play without fear and express themselves at the highest level.
Golden Arrows will be riding high with confidence after they held the champions to a hard-fought draw at the Princess Magogo Stadium last time out. Arrows will not hold back and play on the front foot as a win will take them above their opponents with a better chance of finishing in the top six of the DStv Premiership standings. This fixture is important for both teams and a win for either team will gain advantage on the other. I’m going for Stellies to win in front of their home fans.
AmaZulu | Draw | Sekhukhune United (20:00)
AmaZulu have been on a downward spiral with just one win in five matches which has them occupying 12th spot in the league and just four points above the relegation zone. Usuthu have appointed Ayanda Dlamini as interim coach until end of the season but have not had any luck or change in fortunes as the fight for survival heats up.
Brandon Truter and Sekhukhune United are on the rise and have been nothing but spectacular in recent weeks. Sekhukhune have advanced to the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup for the first time in the club’s existence, which is a huge achievement for the club. Truter has used the momentum they have picked up to good use and are now being rewarded with positive results for their hard work. I can’t see AmaZulu stopping Truter and his men, therefore, I’m backing Sekhukhune to claim all three points.
Sunday 30 April
TS Galaxy | Draw | Orlando Pirates (15:00)
TS Galaxy have been making noise for the wrong reasons and the uncertainties in the team has played a huge part in their poor form and has seen a massive decline in performances, which is a total contrast to what they were a few months ago. The Rockets will need to put their best foot forward and be at their best before they find themselves down in the relegation battle.
Orlando Pirates have been outstanding, picking up momentum where it matters most with five wins in five – an impressive run of form – and now look destined to clinch that important second spot in the league. Pirates are currently in third position, but a win will see them regain second spot from SuperSport United. The Buccaneers have been boosted with the return of key player Thembinkosi Lorch who looks to have lifted the entire dressing room and given confidence to the team to go on and finish the season off on a positive note. Pirates are the in-form team at the moment in the league and I’m backing them to win.
Monday 1 May
Kaizer Chiefs | Draw | Swallows (15:00)
The Glamour Boys have dropped off the pace a little which has seen them fall away in the run-in for second spot and a chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Coach Arthur Zwane can be proud of the job he has done introducing young talent into an experienced squad and finding the right balance for the team which has worked wonders for him going forward as many questions were raised of his capabilities of guiding this team back to its glory days.
Swallows find themselves in a very bad position, just three points above the relegation axe. Interim coach Musa Nyatama has a huge task on his hands to keep the Dube Birds safe from relegation. Swallows travel to Chiefs on the back of a heavy defeat and while low in confidence, Nyatama will be motivating and urge his players to step up and give off a strong performance. Chiefs to fight off Swallows and get the win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
