Rayners aiming to to improve SuperSport’s strike rate, Gallants to push for top 8 off the back of Arubi’s form and more from the DStv Premiership.
Yesterday’s DStv Premiership fixtures gave us plenty to think about. Following the Chiefs’ 1-0 win over Richards Bay, TS Galaxy is the only side yet to concede a goal in the South African top-flight.
Reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a draw against Sekhukhune United which means they are now three points from the summit.
Today’s DSTV Premiership action sees a mouthwatering bout between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates. Both clubs appointed new managers ahead of the season.
Gavin Hunt returns to the club where he won three consecutive league titles and is tasked with bringing back the glory days to the Tshwane outfit.
Jose Riveiro is his opposite number and the man in the hot seat of the Sea Robbers. With that being said, here are a few points to consider ahead of today’s fixtures.
Arubi Key as Gallants push for top 8
Washington Arubi has kept two clean sheets across his three league appearances this season. The Marumo Gallants shot-stopper has been in fine form for his club who are languishing just outside the top half of the log. Arubi will certainly be key for the goal-shy club if they are to break into the top 8. The Zimbabwean certainly has it in him- just cast your mind back to that heroic performance against Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup.
Washington Arubi was unbeatable in goal when @TTM_Original faced @Masandawana in the #NedbankCup2021 semi-finals ⛔️🧤pic.twitter.com/R9B2aQGQkj
— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) May 8, 2021
Gamildien to get Royal AM back on track?
Royal AM made good use of the transfer window and its paying dividends. Ruzaigh Gamildien is one of several new additions to the KZN outfit and has already opened his account. The ex-Swallows hitman has made four league appearances for his new employers, but is yet to start a game. Thwihli Thwahla have just been handed back-to-back league losses and Gamildien could be the one to get them back on track.
The Birds are through to the #NedbankCup Round of 16 with super-sub Ruzaigh Gamildien grabbing a goal and an assist ⚪
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) February 5, 2022
FT | Swallows 2-1 TS Sporting pic.twitter.com/9qjOlPo6gO
Celimpilo must find shooting boots for Gallants
Last season, Marumo Gallants stumbled out of the blocks and failed to win any of their first 9 league fixtures (D4 L5), scoring just 3 goals during that period. This season seems to follow suit as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are still searching for their first league win of the 2022/23, after 3 appearances. Celimpilo Ngema scored Gallants’ first league goal of the season against Arrows last time out. The former Uthongathi man was responsible for three of his club’s five shots on target in that one and could deliver all three points this time out!
Update |⏱55’
— MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) August 13, 2022
NGEMA SCORES@_Marumogallants 1️⃣@goldenarrowsfc1 0️⃣
📷 @Djbrianrikhotso #dstvprem #Marumogallants pic.twitter.com/eOGJfMZRh2
Deon hotting up in front of goal
Deon Hotto opened his account for Orlando Pirates in the previous round of fixtures. The attacker finished as the Buccaneers’ top scorer in the league last season with eight strikes to his name. Hotto ended that campaign with 13 goal involvements to his name – only three topflight players registered more.
Swift counter expertly tucked away by Hotto 🎯
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 17, 2022
Pirates lead at the Moses Mabhida Stadium against Royal AM.
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/lt99Sa3WQU
Rayners tasked with pulling the strings for goal-shy SuperSport
Despite having scored just two goals in their three league outings, SuperSport United have conjured up over 40 shots during that period. Indeed, Gavin Hunt is back at the helm and has already imprinted on their attack. Iqraam Rayners was involved in 4 league goals last season for Matsantsatsa – a feat that was bettered by just 3 teammates. The midfielder has bagged an assist in SuperSport’s opening league fixture on home soil and could replicate that this time out.
Veli Mothwa will not want to see this again! 👀
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 5, 2022
An intelligent finish by Iqraam Rayners 🎯
📺 Stream live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/9wvlHSIsyb
