Our football analyst previews the NFD week 20 action which kicks off on Saturday 3 February 2018.
Two thirds through the 2017/18 National First Division season, it’s looking like Highlands Park are cruising towards a well-deserved PSL promotion, currently sitting seven points clear at the top with 11 exciting games to go. This weekend, they take on the struggling Royal Eagles. Meanwhile, Jomo Cosmos, who have stumbled in their last four matches, remain in the top three as they prepare to face University of Pretoria, who still harbour hopes of promotion.
Saturday 3 February
Highlands Park 5/10
Draw 5/2
Royal Eagles 11/2
Highlands Park are dominating the NFD at the moment, with a comfortable seven-point lead over second-placed Real Kings. Known as the Lions of the North, they have only faced defeat once at home this season. Star striker Moeketsi Sekola, recently recalled from his loan with Chippa United, has been on fire, netting a brace in his comeback match against the Super Eagles.
Royal Eagles find themselves third from the bottom with only 19 points from 19 games. Their away form is poor, with just one win, a derby victory over Richards Bay FC on their home turf. This match should see the hosts claim an easy win.
Richards Bay 13/10
Draw 2/1
Cape Town All Stars 2/1
Richards Bay are coming off two matches without a win but had an impressive run of three consecutive wins before that, including holding leaders Highlands Park to a 0-0 draw last week away from home. Cape Town All Stars are on a great streak too, unbeaten in their last six matches and tucked in 10th place with 25 points from 19 games. Their record stands at six wins, six defeats, and seven draws. Expect the visitors to edge out The New Rich Boyz.
Tshakhuma 15/20
Draw 23/10
Mthatha Bucks 7/2
Tshakhuma boasts an unbeaten run of five games including three wins and currently sits level on 30 points with third-placed Jomo Cosmos. They’re eyeing a spot in the PSL play-offs, especially with Cosmos faltering recently. Mthatha Bucks, however, are struggling near the bottom but pulled off a surprise 2-0 win over Mbombela last week, with Mpo Erasmus scoring both goals, lifting his season tally to 10. Tshakhuma should overcome this tricky fixture.
Ubuntu Cape Town 15/10
Draw 19/10
Black Leopards 18/10
Ubuntu Cape Town are stuck at the bottom of the table after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Highlands Park and a draw against Cape Town All Stars. Black Leopards, meanwhile, have been erratic with six wins, six losses, and seven draws. They did grind out a 1-0 home win against Royal Eagles last week. Expect Leopards to snatch this victory.
University of Pretoria 13/10
Draw 2/1
Jomo Cosmos 2/1
This clash could be pivotal for University of Pretoria’s promotion ambitions. A loss could slip them further behind the pack. AmaTuks haven’t won in their last six outings, including five defeats. Jomo Cosmos are also in a rut, winless in four games. Losing key players Mxolisi Macupu and Linda Mntambo to Chippa United has hurt Cosmos badly. Tip: Back Cosmos to take the win.
Witbank Spurs 18/10
Draw 19/10
Real Kings 15/10
Witbank Spurs have drawn more games than any other side this season, with ten stalemates to their name. It will be interesting to see how they handle promotion contenders Real Kings, who have been solid lately and occupy second place, seven points behind Highlands Park. Kings’ main goal is to secure their PSL play-off spot. Expect Real Kings to prevail.
Sunday 4 February
Mbombela United 12/10
Draw 21/10
Super Eagles 21/10
Mbombela United have been struggling, with only one win in their last five matches, and recently lost 2-0 to relegation-threatened Mthatha Bucks. Sitting on 28 points, two shy of third-placed Jomo Cosmos, they’ll be desperate to bounce back. The rookie Super Eagles have also had a tough season but held Stellenbosch to a goalless draw. Our call: Back Mbombela to take all three points.
Uthongathi 18/10
Draw 19/10
Stellenbosch 15/10
A fascinating fixture as Sammy Troughton, who led Stellenbosch to a PSL play-off last season, now faces his former side as the coach of Uthongathi. Troughton’s side recently beat Jomo Cosmos 1-0, confirming the club’s decision to replace Ronnie Gabriel. Despite Stellenbosch sitting six points above, Uthongathi’s home form and the Troughton factor might just tip the scales for the home team.
TREBLE @ 15/2
Highlands Park Win 5/10
Tshakhuma Win 15/20
Jomo Cosmos Win 2/1
