Limpopo derby headlines explosive NFD action
The National First Division (NFD) should dish out explosive action as Real Kings get a chance to gain some ground on leaders Highlands Park while Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila battle Black Leopards.
David Thidiela, Black Leopards owner (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
If the Magic Boys can pull off a win at the Lions of the North, they will cut the deficit to just three points and gain some traction on their bid to take the top spot.
Highlands Park v Real Kings, Makhulong Stadium, 3.30pm
As mentioned above, Kings have made it publicly known that it is their ambition to win promotion this season and their stunning win over Jomo Cosmos last weekend gave credence to their ambitions. Boosted by that win, they should be able to bring a fight to the Lions of the North who last lost a match in August. This should be a match that will produce fireworks from start to finish.
Mthatha Bucks v Royal Eagles, Mthatha Stadium, 3.30pm
This is a battle of two desperate teams and should be a worthy match to watch. Both are stuck on the wrong side of the relegation zone with 14 and 15 points. Amathol’amnyama will need to use home ground advantage but an Eagles side who have shown glimpses of going back to their best under Kosta Papic will be a tough test for Duncan Lechesa.
Witbank Spurs v Uthongathi FC, Puma Rugby Stadium, 3.30pm
While other teams are climbing up, Siyavutha seem to have run out of steam but a home match against lowly and battered Cane Cutters could be a great platform for them to curb their downward trend.The Cane Cutters however can be a dangerous side on their day and Themba Mafu’s team should not take them lightly.
AmaTuks v Super Eagles, Tuks Stadium, 3.30pm
Coming from a heavy and perhaps unexpected defeat to Black Leopards last weekend, AmaTuks will be looking to bounce back against Eagles who have been blowing hot and cold. AmaTuks have shown earlier this season that they are capable of coming out of a slump with guns blazing.
Mbombela United v Ubuntu CT, Kanyamazane Stadium, 3.30pm
For Tingwenyama to ensure they remain within touching distance of the leaders, they need a win against Ubuntu who have proved to be dangerous when away. Ubuntu will be buoyed by their win last weekend and should prove thorny for the home side.
Richards Bay v Stellenbosch, Umhlathuze Sports Complex, 3.30pm
Stellenbosch are another side who have slowly stalled and now need at least two consecutive wins to get back into contention for promotion. On paper, they should easily collect the full points against struggling Rich Boys but the home side’s win over Uthongathi should give them some confidence.
Sunday
Jomo Cosmos v CT All Stars, Vosloorus Stadium, 3.30pm
If anything, Ezenkosi can ill-afford another defeat as it could easily see them falling behind leaders Highlands Park even further. Ezenkosi found the going tough without their influential duo of Mxolisi Macuphu and Linda Mntambo but should look to get their campaign back on track against Igugu leKapa who have at best been surviving this season despite their good start.
TTM v Black Leopards, Giyani Stadium, 3.30pm
A full capacity is expected at Giyani Stadium as the region’s rivals do battle – the first derby ended in a 2-2 draw. Leopards showed signs of a revival with a 4-0 hammering of AmaTuks last weekend under Joel Masutha’s guidance while Tshakhuma will be looking to build on their 2-0 win away at Stellenbosch. Sello Chokoe’s side have build a reputation of being giant killers and could continue that trend against their more popular rivals on Sunday afternoon.
