The DStv Premiership continues this weekend. Desh Parthab takes a look at some of the players to keep an eye on including Chippa United’s Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro and AmaZulu’s Thembela Sikhakhane.
Back-to-back league wins have seen Mamelodi Sundowns ascend to the top of the log, but for how long? On paper, Orlando Pirates are the number 1 competitor, with 14 points to their name, behind Masandawana 16.
The Sea Robbers have won 4 of their 8 league outings this term, compared to the 2 wins from their initial 8 fixtures last season. In the previous round of fixtures, Kaizer Chiefs equalised in the 84th minute to salvage a draw with Gallants leaving Bahlabane Ba Ntwa without a league win.
Amakhosi currently languish in 14th place and you have to wonder how much time Arthur Zwane will be afforded. Similarly, Sekhukhune United boss Kaitano Tembo will also be feeling the pressure, with Babina Noko rooted to the foot of the table.
The Chippa United hierarchy relieved Daine Klate of his duties, just 7 games into his tenure. Who will be next? The PSL takes a break after this round of fixtures, but here are a few players who could leave a sweet taste in our mouths before the pause.
Gavin Hunt’s chargers have won their previous 3 league outings – No topflight club is on a longer winning streak than Supersport United. The change in form has coincided with a personnel change in the nets.
Despite this being his 3rd topflight campaign with Matsatsantsa, George Chigova had only made 3 league appearances in the previous two seasons. The shot-stopper has kept 2 clean sheets across the clubs previous 4 league outings – avoiding defeat on each instance.
Red Hot Ighodaro
Etiosa Ighodaro has bagged 2 goals in his previous 3 league appearances for Chippa United. Despite his efforts, the Chilli Boys lost all 3 of those fixtures. During that period, he has attempted 5 shots and created 2 chances. Chippa have taken just 8 points from their first 8 league outings and Ighodaro’s goals could prove the difference.
MPENGESI COMMENTS ON NEW SIGNING IGHODARO...
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) August 9, 2022
“Etiosa is a natural goalscorer who will soon become a firm favourite with our fans. I’m happy he has chosen to join us, as he had a lot of interest from other clubs," Siviwe Mpengesi, Chippa Utd boss.#PrideOfEasternCape #UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/bgz3YKyApk
Kaizer Chiefs welcome SuperSport United
Kaizer Chiefs are at home this weekend – in a must win encounter. Khama Billiat has attempted 6 shots and created 4 chances in his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions. Billiat has led the Amakhosi assist charts in 3 of his previous 4 campaigns with Chiefs. The Zimbabwean has started his 5th season with the Glamour Boys in expected fashion, delivering 2 assists.
Match Day!
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 17, 2022
🏆#DStvPrem
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs vs. SuperSport United
👕First Team
🗓️Saturday 17 September 2022
🏟FNB Stadium
🕞20h00
🎟R60 - Shoprite/Checkers & Ticketmaster - https://t.co/rttb9Zwoo9#Amakhosi4Life #KCFreshRevival pic.twitter.com/og6ONjsE3E
Nduduzo Sibiya returns
Nduduzo Sibiya has returned a goal and an assist across his previous 3 league appearances for Golden Arrows. The midfielder has attempted 5 shots and created 3 chances during that period. Sibiya could be the one to unlock a Swallows team that have shipped just 2 league goals on their travels this season – no topflight club has conceded fewer on the road.
Arrows team manager Nonceba Madlala can’t bear to watch as Nduduzo Sibiya converts from the penalty spot as Abafana Bes’Thende lead 2-0 against Chippa United. @iDiskiTimes pic.twitter.com/WquFUGpILp
— robin-duke (@duke_robin) September 3, 2022
AmaZulu vs Sundowns
Thembela Sikhakhane will have his work cut out this weekend. The Amazulu wingback is up against the league’s highest scorer, Mamelodi Sundowns (14).
Across his previous 3 appearances for Usuthu, Sikhakhane has attempted 3 shots and returned 1 assist from his 2 chances created.
Furthermore, he did commit 4 fouls and was fouled 5 times during that period. Amazulu (W4 D5) have lost just 1 of their previous 10 away fixtures, across all competitions.
📽️ Team captain Makhehleni Makhaula talks about preparations heading into tomorrow's fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns 🔜#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/6lzOfGzevj
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 17, 2022
