Kings aiming to keep winning run going
Real Kings will be looking to win and keep the pressure on Highlands Park when they meet Witbank Spurs at Puma Rugby Stadium in eMalahleni on Saturday afternoon.
Stuart Goss of the Real Kings celebrate a goal (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
The Magic Boys have been almost mystic over the last few weeks and have climbed to second on the standings but are six points behind the Lions of the North.
Simo Dladla’s side have not lost a league match since the 2-0 defeat to provincial neighbours Uthongathi on December 3.
Saturday
University of Pretoria vs Jomo Cosmos, at Tuks Stadium, 3.30pm
Having lost five and drawn one in their last six matches, Shaun Bartlett’s side look a lost course but could turn out to be a stumbling block for Ezenkosi who are also yet to win since league resumed. Ezenkosi will however be boosted by the return of Sicelo Mkhize who has scored four and made two assists while the addition of former Polokwane City striker Siphesihle Nzimande could also be a big factor for Jomo Sono.
Tshakhuma vs Mthatha Bucks, at Giyani Stadium, 3.30pm
Sello Chokoe’s side have silently climbed up to fourth and with a win and provided other results are in their favour, they could jump to second after Highlands Park. Tshakhuma are currently tied with Ezenkosi on 30 points and should see this match against ailing Amathol’amnyama as a chance to inch closer to a promotion play-offs position.
Highlands Park vs Royal Eagles, at Makhulong Stadium, 3.30pm
This will be a tricky match for Owen Da Gama’s men who have not tasted defeat since August. While Eagles have been struggling they have shown signs of improvement since Kosta Papic came back and have been scoring quite freely. Eagles have scored 15 goals in their last five matches and should the Lions of the North not be vigilant at the back, they could be embarrassed.
Richards Bay vs CT All Stars, at uMhlathuze Sports Complex, 3.30pm
Having managed a draw against high flying Highlands park last weekend, the Rich Boys will fancy their chances of collecting the three points against Igugu leKapa who have been hitting hot and cold this season. Richards Bay have been slowly improving under Jean Luscuito while Igugu leKapa have not been impressive.
Witbank Spurs vs Real Kings, at Puma Rugby Stadium, 3.30pm
If Themba Mafu’s side are to make it to the promotion places, they will need to start collecting full points at home and buoyed by a thrilling draw away to Ezenkosi last week, could just upset the Magic Boys’ good run.
Ubuntu CT vs Black Leopards, at Parow Park Stadium, 3.30pm
Ubuntu are desperate while Lidoda Duvha have been slowly gaining momentum under Joel Masutha. The Cape side dropped back to the bottom place last week and look like they have bought their ticket to the lower ranks. But they could upset Masutha’s side as they have been improving over the past few weeks.
Sunday
Mbombela United vs Super Eagles, at Kanyamazane Stadium, 3.30pm
For a team who were among the title chasing pack a few weeks ago, Mbombela have fallen short quite badly and should they not start winning matches soon, they could find themselves in the relegation scrap. Eagles have also stalled since the resumption of the league action but have not been doing too badly.
Uthongathi vs Stellenbosch, at Princess Magogo Stadium, 3.30pm
This will be a reunion of old friends as Steve Barker and Sammy Throughton who were working together at Stellenbosch before the latter got the offer from the Cane Cutters come face-to-face in this encounter which promises fireworks. Stellenbosch have somehow managed to stay within the title chasing pack despite a run of bad results in the past few weeks and will look to get their rhythm back against the lowly Cane Cutters.
