Desh Parthab takes a look at some top-performing DStv Premiership stars ahead of the full set of midweek fixtures kicking off on Tuesday evening.
April has been an absolute goal-fest so far! There were four or more goals scored in the opening five league matches of the month.
Elsewhere, Sundowns’ shaky away record in the league has seen them drop vital points – with the gap now being slashed to 11 points ahead of their next closest rivals, Royal AM.
Cape Town City have scored 5 goals in their previous 45 minutes of league action so keep an eye out for them. On the continental front, Raja Casablanca put 2 past Amazulu just before Benni McCarthy was controversially relieved of his duties.
Brandon Truter has been appointed as his replacement, albeit on an interim basis, and is set to make his league managerial debut for the KZN club this time out. With that being said, here are other movers and shakers in the South African top division.
Ofori on fire
Richard Ofori has kept 3 clean sheets across his previous 4 appearances for Orlando Pirates across all competitions. There seems to be a change between the sticks for the Soweto Giants.
Ofori made his first league start of 2022 last time out against Supersport (which ended in a 5 goal thriller). Whilst he didn’t keep a clean sheet in that, his recent performances indicate that he may just get the nod when his side square up against Sekhukhune United this time out.
His confidence will no doubt be boosted following Ghana’s recent World Cup qualification. Expect another big performance against a Sekhukhune side who could well trouble Pirates’ defence.
As it stands, Richard Ofori will be the only player representing the PSL at the 2022 World Cup! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ke7ZjnpAJM
— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) April 1, 2022
Letsoalo sets sights on Shalulile
Victor Letsoalo has bagged four goals in his six league outings this calendar year. The Royal AM attacker has broken into double digits for the season and with seven league outings ahead of him. How many will he finish the season with?
Letsoalo (11) is currently second on the DStv Premiership scoring charts to Sundowns hitman Peter Shalulile (15). Letsoalo comes up against a Marumo Gallants side who have failed to keep a clean sheet across their previous four away league outings.
Mxolisi Macuphu and Victor Letsoalo got on the scoresheet to help Royal AM to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Matsatsantsa 👏 They now move into 2⃣nd in the #DStvPrem standings 👑 pic.twitter.com/kd9EWwScoP
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) February 27, 2022
Pressure on Webber to keep delivering
Jamie Webber has bagged two goals and registered two assists across his previous three league outings. The attacking duo of Thamsanqa Gabuza and Iqraam Rayners both received their marching orders last time out, meaning the pair will play no part in this one.
Webber may just be the one to deliver the three points to Matsatsantsa and comes up against a Chippa side that have already conceded 30 league goals, only Baroka (32) and TS Galaxy (35) have conceded more.
Kaitano Tembo’s youngsters are doing the business.
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 2, 2022
⚽ 12’ Webber (P)
⚽ 25’ Rasebotja
SuperSport United lead 2-1 against Arrows.
📺 Stream the #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/W5jrHnhjwA
Ndlondlo scoring with regularity now
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has bagged six goals across his previous five league appearances. The Marumo Gallants midfielder has demonstrated his penalty prowess week in, week out, with 3 of those 6 coming from the spot. The midfielder is the club’s leading goalscorer, with seven league goals to his name.
✅ Short in stature
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) May 18, 2021
✅ Dribble through a crowd of five to six players
✅ Score with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo channelled his inner Messi when he went on a brilliant solo run and scored for TTM against Maritzburg 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jIk8T22L2s
Ralani key to Sundowns fight on three fronts
Bradley Ralani has returned two goals and two assists across his previous three appearances for Sundowns across all competitions.
Masandawana – as is often the case this time of the season – are involved in the DStv Premiership, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League so squad rotation is definitely a consideration when it comes to team selection.
However, with Ralani’s output, it’s difficult to see why he shouldn’t start. Sundowns come up against a Swallows side who have lost 2 of their previous 4 away league outings.
That first touch 👌
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) February 4, 2022
That finish 🦵
Bradley Ralani nets on debut to give Masandawana the lead at the break 🟡🟡
📺 Stream the #NedbankCup live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/7TfiWuIwzD
