Can Kings slay two giants in succession?
Real Kings went giant hunting and brought high flying log leaders Stellenbosch to their knees last weekend.
Simo Dladla, coach of Real Kings (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
While other National First Division (NFD) teams were on a break as it was an international Fifa weekend, Real Kings went giant hunting and brought high flying log leaders Stellenbosch to their knees, beating them 1-0 in a replay of a match that was rained off a few weeks ago.
Midfielder Lindokuhle Mtshali was the “David” as he scored the goal that blew the NFD title wide open and give his side some relief in their relegation fight. The Durban based side are against up against another giant this weekend as they host third placed Ajax Cape Town at Sugar Ray Stadium on Saturday afternoon – the match is set for a 3.30pm kick-off.
The Magic Boys will want to produce another magical performance and midfielder Sicelo Mkhize said this week that they had sorted their issues and now ready to pull out of the relegation zone. But it will take another big effort from Simo Dladla’s side to eke out another win against the Urban Warriors who have found their form under Adries Ulderlink.
Other fixtures
Saturday
Ubuntu Cape Town v TS Sporting, at Athlone Stadium, 3.30pm
With Kings winning last weekend, Ubuntu will feel the pressure yet again and will be looking for a big performance to ensure they are not dragged back into the relegation places. The Brave, as Ubuntu are known, are just two points above Kings.
But it will also take Vladislav Heric’s side a big effort to get a result over Abantu Bemthetho. Maybe they will take inspiration in that Sporting have not won a game in Cape Town this season.
Royal Eagles v Cape Umoya, at Chatsworth Stadium, 3.30pm
This could potentially be the biggest match of the weekend in the NFD. Umoya are coming from a 2-1 defeat to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup and would not have worried too much as that gives them a chance to give full focus on their league run.
The Spirited Ones are not yet safe from relegation but a rare win over title chasers could ease their worries. Eagles have been in glorious form lately and with just three points now between them and Stellenbosch at the top of the standings, they will see this as a chance to pile more pressure and depending on Stellies result catch up.
Witbank Spurs v Tshakhuma, at Puma Rugby Stadium, 3.30pm
The fire that Shakes Mashaba seemed to have reignited at Siyavutha has since blown out but he will hope that he has done enough during the break to refresh his side enough to score a rare win over Tshakhuma who have had their own problems over the past few weeks.
Mashaba’s side are bottom of the standings again and should have nothing to lose but a gallant effort will be needed if they are to eke anything out of this match.
Sunday
Uthongathi v Maccabi, at Princess Magogo Stadium, 3.30pm
The Cane Cutters will be hoping to continue their good run against a Maccabi side who have been struggling in recent weeks and make a charge for at least a play-offs spot at the end of the season. Maccabi will obviously put up a fight as a defeat could see them in real danger of relegation having started the season on a high and among the top teams in the division at some point.
Joel Masutha’s side are 13th and four points above 15th placed Real Kings while Uthongathi are sixth and in with a chance of vying for a place in the play-offs.
TS Galaxy v Mbombela United, at Kameelrivier Stadium, 3.30pm
The Rockets will be high on confidence having booked their spot in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup and will want to continue their good run and prove that they are the best side in Mpumalanga with a win over their provincial rivals.
They will be again armed with their big and vocal crowd for this one but it will not be easy as Tingwenyama are undefeated in Mpumalanga derbies this season and looking to continue their fight for promotion.
Richards Bay v Jomo Cosmos, at Umhlathuze Sports Complex, 3,30pm
Since their good run in the Nedbank Cup, the Natal Rich Boys have managed to take their run to the league and have done well to climb up to fifth in recent weeks. Ezenkosi have struggled but a rare win in their last game will be a confidence booster that could see them upset Richards Bay.
Stellenbosch v University of Pretoria, at Idas Valley Sports Ground, 3.30pm
It will be interesting to see if Steve Barker can get his Stellies side up and running again against an unpredictable AmaTuks side who can be dangerous on their day.
With just a single point collected in their last three matches and their lead now under serious threat, Stellenbosch will be desperate to turn things around.
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