Our football expert brings you the thrilling preview of the NFD Week 21 games kicking off Friday, 16 February 2018.
With just 10 matches left before the season wraps up, Highlands Park are cruising towards PSL promotion with an impressive 8-point lead at the top of the standings. This week, they take on Jomo Cosmos, who have been struggling lately.
Down at the foot of the table, Ubuntu Cape Town lifted spirits with an encouraging win over Polokwane City last week. The big question remains—can they build on that momentum in their upcoming NFD fixtures? Let’s dive into the key fixtures this week.
Friday 16 February
Cape Town All Stars 37/20
Draw 19/10
Tshakhuma 16/10
Cape Town All Stars showed great resilience, narrowly losing 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup at home. If they can bring that same energy to the league, many sides could be under threat. Currently 10th on the log, they sit just six points shy of the top four, keeping their PSL promotion dream alive.
Tshakhuma have hit hot form with three straight wins and hold second place. They’ll want to strengthen their position and avenge their cup loss where Cape Town All Stars beat them 2-0 in the Nedbank play-offs. Winning away in Cape Town is tough, but the in-form Tshakhuma might just edge it.
Saturday 17 February
Black Leopards 12/10
Draw 21/10
Mbombela United 9/4
Black Leopards are gaining momentum, with three wins and a draw in their last five games. Sitting level on 28 points with Mbombela United, they will rely on home advantage to secure a vital victory.
Mbombela started strong, challenging for the title, but have dropped to ninth after mixed recent results. This clash will be a stern test for them against an improving Leopards side. Our tip: back the Leopards to claim the spoils.
Mthatha Bucks 21/10
Draw 21/10
University of Pretoria 13/10
The struggling Mthatha Bucks, second from bottom, pushed AmaZulu to the limit in the Nedbank Cup before losing in a shootout. They’ll need to transform that performance in the league to survive this season.
University of Pretoria snapped a six-game winless streak with a 1-0 win over Jomo Cosmos last week, climbing to sixth and keeping their promotion hopes alive. Expect AmaTuks to just edge this one.
Real Kings 7/10
Draw 23/10
Richards Bay 4/1
In the exciting KZN derby, third-placed Real Kings will be eager to bounce back after failing to win in their last two matches.
Richards Bay, once tipped for relegation, have improved dramatically under new coach Jean Louis Losciuto and climbed to 12th. Given their recent form, a draw looks likely in this enticing encounter.
Royal Eagles 7/10
Draw 23/10
Uthongathi 4/1
Royal Eagles come into this KZN derby boosted by two wins, yet find themselves just above danger, separated from the drop zone by a single point. Coach Roger Sikhakhane has stepped in to revive their season.
Uthongathi have been inconsistent lately, with mixed results under Sammy Troughton. After a suspension for key player Philani Gumede, this match is poised for a draw.
Sunday 18 February
Jomo Cosmos 19/10
Draw 2/1
Highlands Park 29/20
Jomo Cosmos face a tough challenge hosting league leaders Highlands Park. They haven’t won in five, yet hold a fortress-like home record with no losses this season (7 wins, 3 draws).
Highlands Park remain unbeaten since week five, leading the standings with a solid eight-point cushion. With a short break before their Nedbank Cup tie against Stellenbosch, they should be fresh to maintain their dominant run. Expect Jomo to suffer their first home defeat this season.
Stellenbosch 7/10
Draw 23/10
Ubuntu Cape Town 4/1
Stellenbosch’s unbeaten run of three games has reignited their PSL promotion ambitions. Coach Steve Barker’s side showed grit with a 1-0 win over Uthongathi despite being down to 10 men.
Ubuntu Cape Town have struggled this season but advanced to the Nedbank Cup last 16 on penalties against Polokwane City. With two of their three league wins coming recently, The Stellies should prevail here.
Super Eagles 18/10
Draw 19/10
Witbank Spurs 17/10
Super Eagles remain perilously close to relegation worries, winning just once in five. The postponed Nedbank Cup match against Free State Stars might distract them.
Witbank Spurs are the most draw-happy side with 10 stalemates in 20 games. This looks like another tight encounter resulting in a draw.
TREBLE @ 10/1
Tshakhuma Win 16/10
Highlands Park Win 29/20
Stellenbosch Win 7/10
