Our football analyst previews the NFD week 19 action which kicks off on Saturday 27 January 2018.
Last week’s predictions were spot on with Highlands Park dominating relegation-threatened Ubuntu Cape Town FC in a commanding 3-0 victory. Meanwhile, Jomo Cosmos stumbled again, falling 1-0 to Uthongathi FC at Princess Magogo Stadium. Let’s dive into this week’s fixtures and find out where the smart money should go!
Saturday 27 January
Cape Town All Stars 19/20 | Draw 22/10 | Ubuntu Cape Town 28/10
The Cape Town derby is set to be a decisive battle, though Cape Town All Stars hold a comfortable eight-point advantage, currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, fresh off a gritty 2-1 win against Black Leopards. Ubuntu Cape Town, struggling near the bottom, were humbled last week by Highlands Park but had surprising wins over Mbombela United and Witbank Spurs just before that. Our tip: Cape Town All Stars clinch a convincing win.
Mthatha Bucks 5/2 | Draw 22/10 | Mbombela United 1/1
Mthatha Bucks are in a dire slump—without a win in their last 10 league matches and struggling defensively with only one clean sheet all season. Mbombela United, on the other hand, have lost just once in five outings and recently shared points with promotion rivals University of Pretoria. Expect the visitors to pick up full points here.
Super Eagles 15/10 | Draw 19/10 | Stellenbosch 19/10
Super Eagles faced a tough defeat against Real Kings last week and are fending off relegation just four points shy of the drop zone. Stellenbosch boosted their promotion hopes with a 2-1 victory over bottom-dwellers Mthatha Bucks. Currently seventh on the ladder, Stellenbosch are the favourites to take the win.
Tshakhuma 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | University of Pretoria 23/10
This clash is crucial for those chasing promotion play-off spots, with Tshakhuma and University of Pretoria sitting fifth and sixth. Tshakhuma boasts an unbeaten streak of four games, while AmaTuks have stumbled with three losses in five. The prediction? Tshakhuma holds the edge to take this match.
Sunday 28 January
Black Leopards 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Royal Eagles 21/10
Black Leopards have had a tough season, with only one recent victory. A loss at home could see Royal Eagles equal them on points. Under the guidance of Kostadin Papic, Royal Eagles impressed last week with a 5-2 thrashing of Richards Bay. Expect attacking football and a win for Royal Eagles.
Highlands Park 11/20 | Draw 24/10 | Richards Bay 11/2
Highlands Park remain the undisputed leaders, unbeaten since early season losses, sitting six points clear of the second-place Real Kings. The team will take full advantage of home support to overcome Richards Bay, despite their rivals’ recent strong showings. A comfortable win for Highlands Park is the call.
Jomo Cosmos 1/1 | Draw 22/10 | Witbank Spurs 5/2
Jomo Cosmos are at risk of falling out of promotion spots, enduring three matches without a win. Coach ‘Bra J’ is demanding a more team-focused approach this week. Spurs aim to bounce back from last week’s defeat against Tshakhuma, but this looks like a challenging outing. Our pick: Jomo Cosmos to get the job done.
TREBLE @ 8/1
- Royal Eagles Win 21/10
- Highlands Park Win 11/20
- Jomo Cosmos Win 1/1
