Desh Parthab takes a look at some things to keep in mind before taking your weekend DStv Premiership bets. This edition focuses on Ashley du Preez, Nduduzo Sibiya and more!
The Cape Derby (Stellenbosch FC v Cape Town City FC) and the Durban Derby (AmaZulu v Golden Arrows) are upon us this weekend, so prepare for some fireworks.
Despite only being outscored by four top-flight clubs, just 31.25% of Cape Town City’s goals have come in away fixtures (10/32), the lowest ratio among all top-flight clubs.
AmaZulu have been hugely impressive under interim manager Brandon Truter – the club are yet to concede a league goal since his appointment after the departure of Benni McCarthy.
Despite the title being wrapped up – there is still much to play for. Not only are Cape Town City in the hunt for that CAF Champions League spot, but so are DStv Premiership newcomers Royal AM, who are up against Mamelodi Sundowns.
At the other end of the log, Maritzburg plays host to Baroka where both sides are in desperate need of the three points for their bid to avoid the drop. With that being said, here are a few notes to consider.
Stephens Saging Stellies’ goalmouth
Sage Stephens has kept three clean sheets across his previous five league appearances for Stellenbosch FC. The shot-stopper has picked up three yellow cards during that spell which brings his tally to five for the season – a league-leading total from all topflight goalkeepers. Stephens comes up against a Cape Town City side who are yet to see league defeat since the turn of the year.
Congratulations to Sage Stephens who has been awarded the @StellenboschFC Player of the Month award for December 2021 🏆⚽️🧤#DStvPrem #StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch pic.twitter.com/cUNpajTfRZ
— Prosport International (@ProsportInt) January 13, 2022
Ndengane looking to fill his boots against Baroka
Bulelani Ndengane has bagged three goals in his previous six league appearances for Maritzburg. The KZN outfit has seen league defeat just once across their previous five league outings and will be looking to put further distance between themselves and the drop zone. Ndengane takes aim at a Baroka side who have conceded 39 league goals this season – no top-flight has conceded more.
It’s always a vibe when @MaritzburgUtd plays infront of their supporters, can’t wait to see them as we play our last home game of season. The boots @PUMASouthAfrica ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dgdf4QGYnW
— bulelani ndengane (@alfredndengane) May 18, 2022
Du Preez thriving at Stellies
Stellenbosch have only lost one of their previous eight league outings. This impressive form has seen them climb the log, where they currently sit outside the top four. Ashley Du Preez has had a hand in that and is their only player to have registered 10 or more league goal involvements, thus far. The forward has bagged four league goals in 2022 (which includes a brace last time out against Mamelodi Sundowns), but is yet to find the back of the net on home soil since the turn of the year.
Ashley du Preez 😳🚀
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 2, 2021
Stellenbosch lead 1-0 against Kaizer Chiefs..
📺 Stream live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/u5kbIeJRCH
Sibiya shining at Arrows
Nduduzo Sibiya has returned two goals and two assists across his previous four home league appearances for Golden Arrows. The KZN outfit have won just one of their previous seven league outings and they sit just outside the top half of the log. Sibiya will need to be at his best as he takes aim at an AmaZulu side that have kept six straight league clean sheets.
Nduduzo Sibiya scores the only goal as Golden Arrows defeat SuperSport United to climb up to second position on the #DStvPrem standings 👏 pic.twitter.com/JtzVWXJsDO
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 21, 2021
Baroka and Makume looking for a miracle as they try escape relegation
Bonginkosi Makume has bagged three goals across his previous three league appearances for Baroka. Surprisingly, all have come from the penalty spot. The club are currently rooted to the foot of the table – but have seen league defeat just once across their previous five league outings. Makume’s goals will be vital as Baroka go in search of their first away league win of the campaign (P14 D3 L11).
Bonginkosi Makume is the second Baroka FC player to receive the #DStvPrem man of the match award this season #ThamiSoccer pic.twitter.com/1F7K5hNxdB
— ThamiSoccer (@ThamiSoccer) December 3, 2021
