Our expert soccer pundits are buzzing as they preview the electrifying PSL Week 19 action kicking off on Friday, 26 January 2018.
The PSL season is racing towards its climax with just over 10 games left, promising non-stop drama, edge-of-your-seat thrills and sheer football bliss. The headline act this weekend is the much-anticipated clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, guaranteed to be a cracker. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are set to bounce back when they take on bottom-placed Platinum Stars. Will Benni McCarthy’s fiery nature impact Cape Town City’s fortunes? Can Muhsin Ertugral steer Ajax Cape Town out of trouble? Let’s dive into the excitement of Week 19!
Friday 26 January
Ajax Cape Town 18/10 | Draw 21/10 | Free State Stars 15/10
Ajax battled hard but fell short against city rivals Cape Town City in the iKapa derby last Saturday. They finished with 10 men after Gerald Takwara saw red for a second bookable offence, subsequently suspended for the upcoming match.
Free State Stars had their four-game winning streak halted by a heavy 3-0 home loss to Maritzburg United, currently second from bottom – a dangerous foe to underestimate. However, their quality could give them the edge. My bet is on Free State Stars to sneak the win.
Maritzburg United 21/20 | Draw 2/1 | Chippa United 28/10
Maritzburg United has been impressive since the New Year, recording three wins in four matches, overpowering Free State Stars 3-0 last week and now enjoy the home advantage.
Chippa United fought valiantly to break down the solid Golden Arrows defence, ending in a goalless draw after a prior 1-1 stalemate with Bidvest Wits. Thabo Rakhale featured but hinted at needing match fitness, subbed off midway. Leaning towards the hosts to take full points.
Saturday 27 January
Platinum Stars 28/10 | Draw 47/10 | Orlando Pirates 9/10
Struggling Platinum Stars sit bottom of the PSL, losing four of their last five. A 3-0 drubbing by Sundowns highlighted their woes, but coach Roger De Sa insists all is normal at the club despite rumours of a sale.
Orlando Pirates almost tasted defeat in 2018’s opener but clawed a last-minute equaliser via Lyle Foster. They’ve raked in seven points from nine since the year started. Expect Pirates to claim a commanding win here.
Polokwane City 29/20 | Draw 2/1 | AmaZulu 39/20
Polokwane City nearly bagged three points against Pirates but dropped a 1-0 lead late, settling for a draw. They’ve faced only the PSL giants this year—beating Sundowns, losing to Chiefs, and drawing with Pirates—which isn’t a bad haul.
AmaZulu silenced critics by beating SuperSport United 2-0 last week, with veteran Siyabonga Nomvethe scoring and keeper Siyabonga Mbatha saving a penalty. However, Usuthu will miss midfielder Mhlengi Cele through injury. While I fancy AmaZulu, the home side might just have enough to edge it.
SuperSport United 12/10 | Draw 21/10 | Bidvest Wits 9/4
SuperSport United are struggling with just one win in their last 10 games, flirting dangerously with relegation, sitting 11th with 20 points from 16 matches. Their MTN8 title defence looks shaky this season.
Bidvest Wits also find themselves perilously close to the drop zone but are riding a hot three-match unbeaten streak, eager to secure all three points. Wits look the smarter bet based on form.
Kaizer Chiefs 31/20 | Draw 2/1 | Mamelodi Sundowns 18/10
With talents like Brockie, Ngoma, Tau, and Themba Zwane, Chiefs gearing up for Sundowns looks tough. Amakhosi have won merely two out of eight home games, while Masandawana boast seven wins in nine on the road.
Click here to read full match preview.
Sunday 28 January
Bloemfontein Celtic 33/20 | Draw 2/1 | Cape Town City 33/20
Bloemfontein Celtic have been inconsistent with one win so far this year and come off two defeats—a 1-0 loss to Wits and a 3-0 hammering by Maritzburg United; they now sit ninth.
Cape Town City remain in the title hunt, just four points shy of PSL leaders Sundowns. They recorded a tough 1-0 win in the Cape Town derby. Coach Benni McCarthy might watch from the stands this time after a red card for a tunnel incident. My money’s on Cape Town City.
Golden Arrows 16/10 | Draw 2/1 | Baroka 17/10
Golden Arrows have adopted a cautious defensive style following poor results but managed a goalless draw against Chippa United. They have just one win in their last 14 games.
Baroka lost a 1-0 lead to fall 2-1 against Kaizer Chiefs, frustrating coach Kgoloko Thobejane. Facing Arrows is a daunting challenge for Bakgaga.Bet on the Arrows to prevail.
TREBLE @ 11/1
Orlando Pirates Win 9/10
Polokwane City Win 14/10
Golden Arrows Win 16/10
