Join our football analyst as he previews the electrifying NFD Week 14 fixtures kicking off on Friday, 8 December 2017.
Highlands Park sit comfortably four points clear at the top of the NFD standings, with Jomo Cosmos breathing down their necks after leapfrogging the University of Pretoria into second place. Last weekend, Uthongathi FC showcased their strength by overcoming Real Kings, while Richards Bay’s unlucky streak sadly continued. Let’s break down the exciting upcoming matches and predictions for this thrilling gameweek…
Friday 8 December
Cape Town All Stars 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | University of Pretoria 39/20
Cape Town All Stars impressed with a solid 2-0 away win over their city rivals Ubuntu Cape Town, maintaining clean sheets in back-to-back fixtures and gaining four points after a goalless draw with Uthongathi.
University of Pretoria, managed by Shaun Bartlett, were caught off guard by Tshakhuma’s 2-1 victory at their home, slipping to third place. Expect a tightly-fought encounter with both teams cancelling each other out.
Saturday 9 December
Black Leopards 5/4 | Draw 21/10 | Witbank Spurs 2/1
After a rocky start, Black Leopards have bounced back with three unbeaten games, including two wins and a resilient away draw, moving up to 10th on the table and easing relegation worries.
Witbank Spurs sit just above them but have struggled with four straight draws. This game is poised to be a cagey battle with a likely draw.
Mthatha Bucks 9/4 | Draw 21/10 | Highlands Park 11/10
Mthatha Bucks are currently struggling, gaining just one point from their last five games, with home advantage their main hope against the leaders.
Highlands Park have been formidable, boasting six wins and two draws in their last eight outings, sitting top with an average of two points per game. Expect the visitors to claim a comfortable win.
Real Kings FC 13/10 | Draw 21/10 | Tshakhuma 19/10
Real Kings saw their defence breached more than once for only the second time this season when they lost 2-0 to Uthongathi FC in a fiercely contested KZN derby.
Tshakhuma surprised many with their 2-1 victory over University of Pretoria away from home and aim to continue their strong performance. Backing Real Kings for a narrow 1-0 home win.
Stellenbosch FC 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | Mbombela United 2/1
Stellenbosch ended a six-match winless streak last week with a 1-0 victory over Super Eagles, keeping them close behind the top two.
Mbombela United, tied on points with Jomo Cosmos and University of Pretoria, look to stay within striking distance of the title race. Expect a draw in this encounter.
Super Eagles 23/20 | Draw 18/10 | Richards Bay 26/10
Super Eagles are eager to bounce back after consecutive defeats and sit 13th with the same number of games played. This is a vital relegation battle, and a win here is crucial for survival hopes.
Richards Bay remain winless in 13 games and have conceded six goals in their last two matches against top sides. Expect Super Eagles to edge this contest.
Sunday 10 December
Jomo Cosmos 15/20 | Draw 9/4 | Royal Eagles 7/2
Jomo Cosmos have remained unbeaten in six games with four wins and two draws. Now sitting second, they aim to widen the gap from chasing teams like University of Pretoria and Mbombela.
Royal Eagles enter this game off a six-match winless streak and face a tough away fixture. Expect Cosmos to secure the win.
Ubuntu Cape Town 19/10 | Draw 19/10 | Uthongathi 14/10
Ubuntu Cape Town are struggling at the bottom with just one win from 13 games, fighting for survival.
Uthongathi, coming off a stunning 2-0 win over Real Kings in an intense KZN derby, look set to continue their winning ways. Back them to clinch the win.
TREBLE @ 11/1
Uthongathi Win 14/10
Stellenbosch vs Mbombela Utd Draw 2/1
Jomo Cosmos Win 15/20
