The last round of DStv Premiership action ahead of the long break for the World Cup in Qatar was played this weekend, and it all ended with a bang as there was Soweto Derby success for Kaizer Chiefs and 20 goals scored in the eight games played.
STUNNERS SEES CHIEFS TAKE DERBY HONOURS
Yusuf Maart wrote his name in Soweto derby folklore with his 60-yard goal for Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates, which be remembered as one of the best ever in clashes between the two rivals.
It settled the contest in the favour of Chiefs, who were likely underdogs going into the clash, but in the end were deserving winners who might have scored more against a Pirates side who never really got out of first gear after a fast opening.
Maart’s strike will take some beating for DStv Premiership Goal of the Season, not just because of its quality, but also the occasion and what it meant to the side.
Chiefs now go into the two-month break in the season on a high, while Pirates will be in the doldrums, though with the chance to put their Derby disappointment behind them in the MTN8 decider against AmaZulu on Saturday. Another loss would be huge blow.
SUNDOWNS FLYING AFTER COACHING CHANGE
A change of structure in the coaching team may have puzzled many outside of Chloorkop, but Mamelodi Sundowns certainly seek to be reaping the benefits.
They have two wins, eight goals scored and none conceded, since Rhulani Mokwena was placed in sole charge as head coach, their latest success a 3-0 victory at Royal AM.
That scoreline does perhaps flatter them a little, it took two goals in the final five minutes to seal the deal, but their impressive march to a sixth successive league title remains on course.
The Carling Black Label Cup aside, the coaching team must now find a way to keep the players fit and motivated while the World Cup is on and ahead of their return to action in the league against Orlando Pirates on New Years’ eve.
By then they will hope to have a host of injured players back, including star striker Peter Shalulile.
A WIN AT LAST FOR FOLZ
It was a case of tenth time lucky for AmaZulu coach Romain Folz as he finally claimed a first victory in South African football as Usuthu defeated Stellenbosch FC 1-0 on Sunday.
Folz had drawn eight and lost one of his previous nine games in charge of Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu, but this first victory could not have come at a better time.
He is preparing the team for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, and this victory, a first in 10 games for Usuthu (D6 L3) should do wonders for their confidence.
It was another disappointing defeat for Stellies though and they now have a single point from their last 12 available, all since they conceded three penalties in their 3-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month.
DISAPPOINTMENT FOR CITY
One thing Cape Town City did not expect this season was to be sitting in 13th position after 12 games, with only three wins to their name.
Granted they had the distraction of the CAF Champions League, and this week start their Confederation Cup campaign in the play-off round, but it is still an underperformance that is hard to explain.
Saturday’s last-minute loss to Marumo Gallants will be galling after they had worked their way back into the game thanks to a first goal in City colours for Wayde Lekay – also his first topflight goal for almost a year.
To concede in the 95th minute – a second of the game for Gallants forward Ranga Chivaviro – was desperately disappointing.
There is much to work on in the second half of the season for a club that always expects to be in the top four.
MORE MISERY FOR MARITZBURG
There was more misery for Maritzburg United on Friday as they extended their winless run to six games (D2 L4) and go into the long break bottom of the DStv Premiership table.
Two Ryan Moon headers sealed the 2-0 win for Lamontville Golden Arrows as they moved into the top eight but left their provincial rivals looking at the 15 teams above them.
But it is tight at the bottom, only three points separate Maritzburg and Stellenbosch FC in 10th, and whether that fact buys Team of Choice coach John Maduka more time remains to be seen.
Maritzburg are also at the bottom of the form table and have, unusually for them, struggled at home in recent times, losing all three previous games on their own patch.
They also have the worst defence in the league with 19 goals conceded, and the worst attack with six goals scored. Something has to give.