Our soccer pundit is excited to bring you the NFD Week 18 preview kicking off on Saturday, 20 January 2018.
The upcoming matches promise some straightforward predictions. The spotlight is on the KwaZulu-Natal derby between Royal Eagles and Richards Bay – a must-watch this weekend! Highlands Park, flying high in the standings, will face a battle against the relegation-threatened Ubuntu Cape Town, making it one of the easiest calls for the weekend.
Saturday 20 January
Black Leopards 11/10 | Draw 21/10 | Cape Town All Stars 5/2
This tight match sees two teams battling in the middle of the table. Black Leopards currently sit eighth with just one win from their last five games. They’ve taken points from strong sides like University of Pretoria and shared the spoils with rivals Tshakhuma in the Limpopo derby.
Cape Town All Stars are just below them, trailing by a single point after three consecutive draws. A victory here could see All Stars leapfrog the Leopards. Expect a closely fought encounter with the teams likely to cancel each other out.
Mbombela United 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | University of Pretoria 23/10
Mbombela United are striving for PSL promotion and currently hold fourth place. Their inconsistency remains concerning, as it’s unclear which team will show up on the day. They’ll be looking to bounce back after a surprising 3-1 loss to relegation-threatened Ubuntu Cape Town.
The University of Pretoria have lost their last few games, slipping to fifth place. The momentum favors the home side here. Backing Mbombela United to secure the three points.
Real Kings 9/10 | Draw 23/10 | Super Eagles 29/10
Real Kings have impressed recently, moving up to third place after a string of draws earlier in the season. They’ll look to continue their good form against newcomers Super Eagles.
Super Eagles hover just above the relegation zone with mixed results: five wins, five draws, and seven losses. This game is tipped to end in a draw.
Royal Eagles 13/10 | Draw 2/1 | Richards Bay 43/20
Royal Eagles have struggled this season with only three wins. Last week’s 3-3 draw against bottom-ranked Mthatha Bucks exposed some defensive frailties. Richards Bay, meanwhile, have won three consecutive matches, moving out of the relegation zone.Backing Richards Bay to extend their winning streak.
Stellenbosch FC 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | Mthatha Bucks 23/10
Stellenbosch have hit a rough patch with three straight losses, conceding three or more goals in each game. Expected to compete for a play-off spot, they currently occupy eighth place. This match is crucial for them to turn their season around, especially against struggling Mthatha Bucks.
Mthatha Bucks sit at the bottom of the table and have failed to win in their last nine games. However, they’ve been managing to score, including a 3-3 draw with Royal Eagles last week. Expect Stellenbosch FC to claim max points here.
Uthongathi FC 23/10 | Draw 2/1 | Jomo Cosmos 12/10
In KZN, big news as Ronnie Gabriel is sacked and Sammy Troughton takes over coaching duties. Troughton, who helped Stellenbosch reach the PSL play-off last season, has a challenge ahead. Uthongathi haven’t won in their last four games, and it’s uncertain how they’ll perform under new leadership.
Jomo Cosmos will approach this game cautiously; they don’t want to lose ground against top-placed Highlands Park and will fight hard to win.Backing the visitors, Jomo Cosmos, to take the win.
Sunday 21 January
Witbank Spurs 12/10 | Draw 2/1 | Tshakhuma 23/10
This promises to be an evenly matched battle with both teams on equal points. Witbank Spurs have won two and drawn two of their last five, while Tshakhuma also hold a similar recent record.
Witbank Spurs claimed a home win against Uthongathi last week, and Tshakhuma drew 1-1 with Black Leopards in their Limpopo derby. This should be a thrilling match-up with a slight edge to the home side.
Ubuntu Cape Town 11/4 | Draw 43/20 | Highlands Park 1/1
Two contrasting teams face off as Highlands Park lead the standings by five points. They’ve recovered well from early-season losses and are currently in fine form.
Ubuntu Cape Town are second-last but have won their last two games, surprising many. Despite being a potential banana skin, back Highlands Park at even odds to continue their strong season.
TREBLE @ 8/1
Stellenbosch Win 12/10
Mbombela United Win 12/10
Highlands Park Win 1/1
