Our expert soccer analyst brings you an exhilarating preview of the NFD Week 12 action set to kick off on Friday, 24 November 2017.
Highlands Park continue their dominance at the top of the National First Division standings with a fantastic four-match winning run, sitting proud three points ahead of second-placed Mbombela United. Unfortunately, Uthongathi FC’s unfortunate run without a win carries on as they slip further down the table. The Cane Cutters open this weekend’s fixtures with an electrifying clash against Cape Town All Stars on Friday evening. Curious about how these fixtures will unfold? Let’s dive in!
Friday 24 November
Cape Town All Stars 1/1 | Draw 21/10 | Uthongathi FC 5/2
Separated by just three points, the hosts currently hold ninth place on the log with 14 points from 11 matches. They will look to their home advantage to bounce back from a recent two-match losing streak. Meanwhile, Uthongathi FC have struggled in their last four matches, managing only two points and sliding to 13th position after tough games against strong opponents like University of Pretoria and Highlands Park. Expect the visitors to push hard to get back to winning ways.
Saturday 25 November
Super Eagles 13/10 | Draw 21/10 | Black Leopards 19/10
A battle of a newly promoted side versus struggling visitors. Super Eagles gained a crucial 1-0 home win against Cape Town All Stars last week climbing to 13th place, aiming to maintain this momentum at home. Black Leopards, riding high after a win over Mthatha Bucks last week, face a challenging trip to the Free State. Both sides are level on 13 points, making this a tantalising contest. We are tipping a draw in this close tussle.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Royal Eagles 28/10
After an impressive five-game unbeaten streak, TTM suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat last week to Mbombela United. Despite adversity, they have managed to hold their place in the top eight and will be confident taking on struggling Royal Eagles at home. The Eagles find themselves second from bottom with three losses in the last five games. Expect TTM to secure a home win.
University of Pretoria 7/10 | Draw 23/10 | Richards Bay 15/4
University of Pretoria remain in striking distance of league leaders Highlands Park. Despite several draws recent, the team has shown resilience, including a goalless draw against Ubuntu Cape Town last week. Richards Bay come off a long run of draws, focusing on defence. Look for a closely contested match with the visitors likely salvaging a point.
Highlands Park 7/10 | Draw 23/10 | Witbank Spurs 15/4
Highlands Park are determined to return to the PSL, riding high after four consecutive wins, leading Mbombela by three points. Witbank Spurs remain unbeaten in four games but have drawn twice recently. Last week they had a goalless draw against Richards Bay. Considering form, home advantage and quality, we’re backing Highlands Park to extend their streak.
Sunday 26 November
Real Kings 11/10 | Draw 21/10 | Stellenbosch 23/10
Real Kings boast the strongest defence this season, playing a conservative yet successful style with three consecutive clean-sheet wins. Expect a tactical battle at home using counterattacks and set-pieces against Stellenbosch, who have dropped to sixth after five winless games. We favour Real Kings in this one.
Mthatha Bucks 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Ubuntu Cape Town 28/10
Mthatha Bucks suffered a tough 2-0 home loss to Black Leopards last week and now sit 11th. The team is inconsistent with mixed results this season. Ubuntu Cape Town remain the only winless side with five losses and six draws. It seems likely Mthatha Bucks will return to winning form on home soil.
Jomo Cosmos 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Mbombela United 21/10
This mouth-watering fixture is a key clash near the top of the log between Jomo Cosmos and second-placed Mbombela United, who are separated by just one point. Jomo Cosmos was knocked from the PSL play-off spots after a 2-2 draw with Stellenbosch last week. Mbombela are fighting to keep pace with Highlands Park and maintain their lead over Pretoria University. The home side are just favoured in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
TREBLE @ 11/2
Real Kings Win 11/10
Highlands Park Win 7/10
Mthatha Bucks Win 9/10
