Our football analyst dives into the exciting NFD Week 17 action starting Saturday, 13 January 2018.
Highlands Park continues to dominate the National First Division, boasting an incredible 11-game unbeaten run. The title chasers, Jomo Cosmos, faced a setback as they were defeated by Real Kings, who climbed their way to third place. Ubuntu Cape Town surprised everyone with a rare victory over Witbank Spurs, lighting up a thrilling round filled with valuable results. Let’s break down what to expect in the upcoming fixtures.
Saturday 13 January
Highlands Park 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | Real Kings 23/10
Highlands Park hasn’t tasted defeat since their early-season hiccups with three losses in four matches. The Lions of the North are on course to snatch promotion, with experienced PSL players showing clear superiority over their rivals.
Real Kings have transformed their game strategy from cautious to aggressive, currently on a three-match winning streak, including crucial victories over Jomo Cosmos and University of Pretoria. A win could see them close the gap on Highlands Park by just three points. Backing Highlands Park for a tight win is our pick.
Mbombela United 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Ubuntu Cape Town 29/10
Mbombela United, level on points with Real Kings, aims to climb back to the top three after a thrilling 4-3 win against Royal Eagles. Their attacking power is undeniable, but defensive weaknesses remain a concern, having conceded 19 goals this season.
Ubuntu Cape Town, sitting at the bottom with only two wins in 16 matches, recently ended a losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Witbank Spurs. They’ll find it tough to cause an upset here. Expect Mbombela to come out on top.
Mthatha Bucks 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | Royal Eagles 21/10
Mthatha Bucks languish in the relegation zone with no wins in their last eight league games. Their challenge is huge against the attack-oriented Royal Eagles, who are desperate to climb out of trouble. The Eagles recently brought back Masibusane Zongo, a talented yet controversial player, hoping to spark their survival campaign. Back Royal Eagles to win this critical clash.
Richards Bay 17/10 | Draw 18/10 | Stellenbosch 17/10
Richards Bay, who spent most of the first half at the table’s bottom, have pulled themselves just above the drop zone following two consecutive wins. They host an unpredictable Stellenbosch side eager to end a two-match losing streak and push closer to the top three. While emotions favour Richards Bay, the sensible bet is on the visitors.
University of Pretoria 1/1 | Draw 21/10 | Super Eagles 26/10
The AmaTuks have been inconsistent with two losses in four matches but are craving a win against a weaker opponent to keep their PSL dreams alive.
Super Eagles come here after a tough 3-0 loss to Highland Park, now facing a challenging away fixture. Given their form, a draw feels likely. Expect a hard-fought stalemate.
Witbank Spurs 1/1 | Draw 21/10 | Uthongathi 26/10
Witbank Spurs, after a stunning win over Stellenbosch, stumbled with a 2-1 loss to Ubuntu Cape Town. Now they face Uthongathi, who are stuck in a three-match winless run and looking to escape relegation troubles.
Uthongathi, currently 11th, tend to play cautiously on the road, often settling for draws. Our call here is another draw to keep both sides steady.
Sunday 14 January
Jomo Cosmos 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Cape Town All Stars 29/10
Jomo Cosmos’ impressive 8-match unbeaten streak ended recently with a narrow 1-0 loss to Real Kings. Undefeated at home this season with seven wins and a single draw, this fixture offers a perfect chance to put pressure on league leaders Highlands Park.
The Cape Town All Stars have been patchy in recent games, showing no predictable form. Jomo Cosmos should comfortably take maximum points here.
Tshakhuma 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | Black Leopards 23/10
Tshakhuma’s inconsistency shines through with six wins, five draws, and five losses. Defensive issues have plagued them, conceding 23 goals in 16 games.
Black Leopards mirror this unpredictability with a similar record. This intense Limpopo derby could go either way, but experience tips the scales in favour of Black Leopards. Backing the Leopards to edge this one.
TREBLE @ 15/1
Royal Eagles Win 21/10
Stellenbosch Win 17/10
Jomo Cosmos Win 9/10
