Desh Parthab takes a look at five stats to keep in mind before taking your midweek DStv Premiership bets. Today we alook at Sage Stephens’ fine form between the sticks for Stellies, Bradley Grobelar’s potential return to form and more!
The DStv Premiership got underway this past weekend and whilst some results followed the script, others did not! Undoubtedly, the transfer window has had a part to play in that, but just how pivotal will that be come the end of the season?
Masandawana started their title defence with a 2-0 win over last season’s runners-up Cape Town City. Soweto giants Orlando Pirates started their season with a three-point haul to a goal from debutant Eva Nga. Daine Klate got his league managerial debut off to an undefeated start, after sharing the spoils with Supersport United.
With the dust having settled on the opening weekend of South Africa’s topflight, here are a few stars to look out for during the midweek fixtures.
Stephens targeting another shutout
Sage Stephens has started his league campaign with a clean sheet for Stellenbosch. The Western Cape outfit has conceded just nine times across their 13 league appearances of 2022. Furthermore, Stellies are yet to see league defeat at the Danie Craven Stadium since the turn of the year. Stellenbosch are home to Orlando Pirates who have netted just a single league goal during the travels since the turn of the year.
SFC Player of Month for December is awarded to Sage Stephens.
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) January 14, 2022
Congratulations Sage! 🎉#StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch 🍇 pic.twitter.com/zwJ3H0ssbs
Grobler finding form again?
Bradley Grobler bagged a goal from his four shots last time out against Chippa. The 2020/21 golden boot winner netted 16 times across his 26 league appearances in that memorable campaign but couldn’t replicate that form during last season. The forward only mustered nine league appearances, finding the net just once during the 2021/22 season but has kicked off this season with a bang!
Bradley Grobler’s second half equalizer earned SuperSport United a point in their #DStvPrem clash against Chippa at home 🤝 pic.twitter.com/hatQ6dNYvJ
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 7, 2022
Mabaso could be key for Natal Rich Boyz this season
Abel Mabaso got on the scoresheet on his Richards Bay league debut, last time out. The former Buccaneer wasted no time helping his new teammates dispatch Golden Arrows 2-0 in a KZN derby during their league opener. Despite only finding the back of the net once during his 2021/22 top flight campaign, Mabaso did chip in with three assists.
#DStvPrem 2nd Half Score :
— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) August 6, 2022
⚽️Golden Arrows 0-2* Richards Bay
🥅 Somila Ntsundwana"28
🥅 Abel Mabaso'71
🕧80 minutes #NatalRichBoy pic.twitter.com/ihfNORL0LB
Mdantsane aiming to recapture last season’s form
Mduduzi Mdantsane was involved in 10 league goals in 27 appearances for Cape Town City last season. The forward bagged nine league goals during that campaign, with three of those coming from the penalty spot – indicating that he may very well be on penalty duty this term. The Citizens were left licking their wounds following a 2-0 home defeat by Sundowns on opening day and will look to put some points on the board this time out when they travel to Swallows.
🤯 Mduduzi Mdantsane with a 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩 against the Rockets 🚀
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 27, 2021
TS Galaxy hit back straight away though, 1-1 at the Mbombela Stadium..
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/NC54t6ioZc
Machupu under pressure to replace Letsoalo’s goals for Royal AM
Mxolisi Machupu netted five goals across his 12 league appearances of the 2021/22 season. The Royal AM hitman may have an unchallenged starting berth, following the departure of Victor Letsoalo, but will need to hit the ground running if he is to maintain his spot. The forward created one chance and attempted one shot in his side’s 1-0 win on opening day against Chiefs, but will want to get on the scoresheet when his side do battle against Chippa United.
A brace and man of the match award for Mxolisi Machupu 🤩👌🏾 continue making your mark 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PGOY23rezj
— QTSPORTS (@qtsports) February 20, 2022
