The DStv Premiership returns tonight with six fixtures. Desh Parthab takes a look at some of the players to keep an eye on including Royal AM's Brazilian centre-half and Pirates Ghanaian shot-stopper.
The MTN8 gets underway this weekend with some blockbuster ties in store. Before that, however, we have six DStv Premiership matches coming your way this evening.
Cape Town City followed up back-to-back league draws with a win last night against Kaizer Chiefs. Dylan Kerr’s revival project at Swallows seems to be going according to plan with the Dube Birds currently occupying a top half position, following their 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United.
Mamelodi Sundowns have recorded just one win in their previous three league outings and will have an opportunity to get back to winning ways when they take on Stellenbosch. There is also a good old-fashioned eThekwini derby between AmaZulu and Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium, but before that, here are a few points to consider.
Ofori a rock between the sticks for Pirates
Richard Ofori has been in fine form for the Buccaneers. The shot-stopper has registered three clean sheets across his five league appearances this term – shipping just two goals during that period. The Ghanaian is just one league clean sheet away from equalling his entire tally for the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season and could do just that when his side face off against Marumo Gallants in Orlando Stadium.
@orlandopirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori applauds the fans as he comes out to warm up alongside Siya Mpontshane #orlandopirates #DStvPrem #DSTVPREMIERSHIP pic.twitter.com/lyxIEfwtiC
— Selebalo Karabo Phasha (@TheeSportsGuy01) August 6, 2022
Samu aiming to kick on after getting off the mark
Friday Samu got off the mark last time out for Maritzburg United. The forward finished as the top scorer for The Team of Choice in their previous league campaign, bagging 3 goals across their final 5 league fixtures. Samu has got just a goal to show for his first 5 league appearances of this campaign, but could follow that one up with another on derby day!
5 - Despite only joining in January, Friday Samu ended the season as Maritzburg United's top scorer last season with five goals. Catch. #DSTVPremReview pic.twitter.com/6FjFk0XzzA
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) August 1, 2022
Nascimento shining for Royal AM
Ricardo Nascimento has been stealing the headlines for Royal AM of late. The former Sundowns man swapped Tshwane for KwaZulu-Natal and has been directly involved in three goals across his five league appearances for his new employers during this campaign. The Brazilian netted a stoppage-time winner on opening day to hand his side the 3 points and followed that up with another late goal last time out, securing a point for Thwihli Thwahla.
Ricardo Nascimento scores late in added time as Royal AM come from behind twice to secure a point against Marumo Gallants 🤝#DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/ME2rFwhng3
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 21, 2022
Ndabayithethwa targets double-figures for Gallants this season
Marumo Gallants’ top marksman in last season’s DStv Premiership has opened his account for the current campaign. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo netted for the Limpopo-based club in their cagey encounter with Royal AM, last time out. The danger man netted eight league goals across his 29 league appearances last term and it looks like he may just break into double digits this time around.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo with a snapshot from the edge of the box hands Marumo Gallants the lead after 15 minutes of play 📸
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 21, 2022
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/szqw6L4pIa
Buchanan and Mhango to combine again against Abafana Bes’thende?
Keagan Buchanan has been involved in two goals across his three league appearances this campaign. The Usuthu midfielder has just delivered back-to-back assists to clinical forward Gabadinho Mhango. The former Maritzburg United man has already equalled his 2021/22 topflight assist tally – despite making 22 appearances fewer. The midfielder will be looking to tuck them away and may do just that as he comes up against a Golden Arrows team who have registered just a single clean sheet this term.
. @AmaZuluFootball midfielder, Keagan Buchanan, on facing @goldenarrowsfc1 on Wednesday at the Princess Magogo Stadium. pic.twitter.com/oqkWAh4xsQ
— Hollywoodbets (@Hollywoodbets) August 22, 2022
