Our football pundit previews the NFD week 24 action which kicks off on Saturday 17 March 2018.
After a brief pause for the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 excitement, the NFD is roaring back to life with some thrilling matchups lined up. As I’ve been mentioning lately, Highlands Park has been a banker this season, unbeaten since gameweek five. They’ll be hosting Mbombela United on Saturday night, and it’s bound to be a cracker!
Meanwhile, Ubuntu Cape Town, fresh off a stunning win against AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup, face a tough contest against Jomo Cosmos. Scroll through my predictions and betting tips below to make the most of the action.
Saturday 17 March
Highlands Park 6/10
Draw 5/2
Mbombela United 9/2
Highlands Park sit comfortably at the summit, unbeaten in their last 18 league fixtures. Their recent 3-0 demolition of Witbank Spurs underscores their dominance. They lead Real Kings by 12 points.
Mbombela United snapped a losing streak last game with a 2-0 win over Jomo Cosmos. They have been unpredictable this season, so I’m backing the home side to take the points.
Mthatha Bucks 14/10
Draw 2/1
Uthongathi 18/10
Bush Bucks are stuck at the bottom and have not tasted victory in four matches. A much-needed win could help them climb to parity on points with Uthongathi.
Uthongathi are desperate to avoid defeat as it could see them slide to the relegation zone. They haven’t won in five games. A cautious draw looks most probable here.
Real Kings 11/10
Draw 2/1
Black Leopards 5/2
Real Kings continue a stellar campaign sitting second and eyeing the PSL playoffs. They rebounded from a derby loss by edging Stellenbosch 2-1.
Black Leopards have found their stride, undefeated in five matches and holding fourth place. This battle between promotion hopefuls should be a thriller, but I fancy Real Kings at home.
Super Eagles 14/10
Draw 2/1
Royal Eagles 18/10
Super Eagles have a new boss, Ian Palmer, tasked with turning around their poor form. They’re second-last and on a six-match winless streak.
Royal Eagles have recent big scalps but stumbled in the Nedbank Cup against Maritzburg United. I think the Eagles will pull through here.
Tshakhuma 13/20
Draw 23/10
Richards Bay 4/1
Tshakhuma have resolved their player dispute and are back in training with reinforcements joining.
Richards Bay ended a five-game losing streak last match but were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup recently. Back Tshakhuma to bounce back on home soil.
University of Pretoria 13/10
Draw 2/1
Witbank Spurs 2/1
University of Pretoria are struggling, winless in three and six points adrift of promotion spots.
Witbank Spurs have revamped coaching but have an ineligible new signing. Back Tuks to avoid defeat.
Sunday 18 March
Cape Town All Stars 1/1
Draw 21/10
Stellenbosch 5/2
This iKapa derby is loaded with drama, with recent narrow Nedbank Cup losses behind them. Cape Town All Stars have mixed league form.
Stellenbosch are focused on the league after their cup exit, trailing playoff positions by six points. I’m backing Stellenbosch to edge this one.
Jomo Cosmos 9/10
Draw 22/10
Ubuntu Cape Town 28/10
Jomo Cosmos strengthened with key signings and the return of star winger Silas Maziya.
Ubuntu Cape Town’s winning streak and new coach Casey Prince have built momentum. I’m tipping Ubuntu to continue their run.
TREBLE @ 12/1
Highlands Park 6/10
Real Kings 11/10
Ubuntu Cape Town 28/10
