Our football pundit previews the PSL Week 16 action which kicks off on Friday 5 January 2018.
The second half of the ABSA Premiership kicks off this weekend, and we hope our readers and football fans across South Africa enjoyed a fantastic festive season! The first half of the season brought plenty of thrills but also too many draws, which isn’t quite what you’d expect from one of Africa’s premier leagues. Fingers crossed we see some exciting changes as teams push to climb the table.
With the PSL action back, so does the transfer window – often dubbed the ‘silly season’ for its whirlwind of player moves. Just days in, we’ve already witnessed some exciting transfers. The real question is how these players will perform in their new teams under fresh pressure and expectations? Let’s dive into the key matches and lineup shifts!
Friday 5 January
Bidvest Wits 19/10 | Draw 19/10 | Free State Stars 16/10
It’s telling that Free State Stars are favourites away at Bidvest Wits, highlighting the tough time champions Wits have had this season. Sitting 16th with just 11 points and only two wins from 14 matches, they’ve bolstered their attack with Lehlohonolo Majoro, who has netted three goals this season, plus the additions of Edwin Gyimah and the return of Sifiso Myeni. Wits have also lined up signings for next season, signaling a long-term plan. Meanwhile, Free State Stars have punched well above their weight, currently fifth and equal on points with third-placed Kaizer Chiefs. After finishing 2017 strongly with a win over Orlando Pirates, they look set to push their good form further. It’s hard to see a winner here, so expect a tight draw.
Ajax Cape Town 29/20 | Draw 37/20 | Maritzburg United 21/10
Ajax Cape Town have struggled in the first half of the season, leading to the dismissal of Stanley Menzo and the return of Muhsin Ertugral for his fourth stint as coach. They’ve also signed former Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro to strengthen their attack, which had previously faltered with players like Sedwyn George and Prince Nxumalo. Maritzburg United, after a bright start, hit a slump before the break, winning just twice in their last 12 matches. Striker Evans Rusike’s loss of form has added pressure on coach Fadlu Davids, but with Ertugral’s appointment and Ndoro in their ranks, Ajax are tipped to have the edge in this encounter.
Saturday 6 January
Polokwane City 29/10 | Draw 24/10 | Sundowns 9/10
Polokwane City wrapped up 2017 with an impressive 1-0 away victory against Chippa United but now face PSL leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. They’re still chasing their first home win, but with goal star Rodney Ramagalela’s prolific form (eight goals), that streak is likely to end. Sundowns have been formidable on the road, winning six and drawing one away match this season. The team has strengthened further with the addition of Aubrey Ngoma alongside talents like Percy Tau and Themba Zwane. While Polokwane shocked Sundowns earlier this season with Ramagalela’s brace, it seems likely that the ‘Masandawana’ will come out on top this time.
SuperSport United 19/10 | Draw 19/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 15/10
Eric Tinkler’s SuperSport side ended the year disappointingly, missing out on the CAF Confederations Cup final and failing to win in their last five league games. Further challenges come from transfer speculations, including Jeremy Brockie possibly moving and unclear status on Leonardo Castro’s signing from Sundowns. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs may make a major move by signing Siphelele Ntshangase from Baroka FC, a player Chiefs have keenly pursued. While Tinkler has historically posed a challenge to Chiefs, this new year looks promising for the Amakhosi. Expect Chiefs to grab all three points at Mbombela Stadium.
Platinum Stars 19/10 | Draw 19/10 | Cape Town City 15/10
Following a rough start which put Platinum Stars on a relegation path, Roger De Sa has steadied the ship. Though still 14th, the team is tougher to beat now and De Sa aims for 30 points to ensure safety. Cape Town City lost key players Aubrey Ngoma and Lehlohonolo Majoro but are strengthening with signs like Kwanda Mngonyama and Kenyan striker Masoud Juma (though Juma may miss the upcoming match). This looks set for a tight contest, with a draw favored at 18/10 odds.
Orlando Pirates 11/10 | Draw 21/10 | Baroka FC 24/10
Orlando Pirates aim to bounce back hosting Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium. They struggled to score in the first half of the season and are linked with SuperSport’s Jeremy Brockie. Baroka may lose Siphelele Ntshangase to Chiefs and could recall Gift Motupa on loan. Both teams need fresh quality to improve recent results. Having drawn 1-1 earlier this season, Pirates are expected to clinch a win in this matchup.
Sunday 7 January
AmaZulu 29/20 | Draw 19/10 | Chippa United 21/10
AmaZulu suffered their first loss in six games just before the festive break, losing 1-0 to Cape Town City. Many of their games have ended in draws, though, so they will be looking to convert those into wins. Chippa United, despite recent losses, remain in the top eight and with wing players like Mark Mayambela and new signing Thabo Rakhale, coach Tebza is optimistic. As AmaZulu have been hard to beat at home in Umlazi, a draw is a likely outcome in this clash.
Bloemfontein Celtic 5/4 | Draw 39/20 | Golden Arrows 47/20
Bloemfontein Celtic, sitting sixth, are eyeing a jump to third with a win in their catch-up game against Golden Arrows, who currently hold 10th and have not won in 10 matches. Celtic coach Veselin Jelusic has revitalised the team, while Golden Arrows could lose star player Kudakwashe Mahachi to Orlando Pirates. Mahachi has been crucial to Arrows scoring, so Celtic are favoured for the win here.
TREBLE @ 4.15/1
Ajax Cape Town Win 13/10
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 8/10
Orlando Pirates Win 11/10
