Mamelodi Sundowns will look to build their lead, and Kaizer Chiefs will chase momentum, as the Betway Premiership continues with seven matches across the coming weekend.
Sundowns surged six points clear of reigning champions and nearest chasers Orlando Pirates (who have played two fewer matches) when they defeated Siwelele FC 3-0 on Wednesday evening. And the Brazilians could have a lead as big as nine points if they overcome Chippa United at the Buffalo City Stadium late on Saturday afternoon, and results elsewhere go in their favour.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was very satisfied with his team’s midweek showing, but has taken some issue with the venue change of the clash against the Chilli Boys – which initially was slated for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“It will be a tough match, we play there on Saturday," Cardoso explained. "A little bit of applications, I don’t want to speak about that but a change of the venue that will allow us to stay one more day, we’ve only flight the following day on the night to attach preparation for our international match the following weekend and it’s a pity that things are that way but I don’t want to cry, they say I cry too much.
“But I just stuck to reality, but now it’s time to think about the next match and to recover the players and think about the weekend thank you.”
The weekend’s action opens on Friday evening at the Athlone Stadium, as Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United meet in the ‘Mother City’, before Saturday – aside from the Chippa v Sundowns match – features AmaZulu FC hosting Marumo Gallants as the Princess Magogo Stadium, and Kaizer Chiefs visiting Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Amakhosi returned to winning form this past weekend by defeating Siwelele FC 3-2, though coach Fernando Da Cruz wants to see an improvement on the defensive side of their performance, as well as the character shown by the players.
“The first step is to do our match analysis and correct the tactical side but it’s not only that. It also depends on the spirit and mentality of the players on the field,” said Da Cruz.
Sunday brings a trio of matches, with Milford FC and Richards Bay meeting for a derby at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, at the same time that Siwelele FC host Golden Arrows at the Free State Stadium, and then the weekend concludes with TS Galaxy hosting Krugeer United at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
The Rockets have managed just one league win thus far, but coach Bernard Parker believes his team is on the right path for success.
“I wouldn’t think it’s a slow start. Looking at all the teams and us pound for pound, I think we got a lot of positives out of the five games, we only lost once,” said the former Bafana Bafana forward.
"We lost once and drew three, so we are on the right track, and also, we are growing game by game."
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP WEEKEND FIXTURES
Times CAT
Friday 11 September
7:30pm: Stellenbosch FC v Sekhukhune United
Saturday 12 September
3pm: AmaZulu FC v Marumo Gallants
3pm: Polokwane City v Kaizer Chiefs
5:30pm: Chippa United v Mamelodi Sundowns
Sunday 13 September
3pm: Milford FC v Richards Bay
3pm: Siwelele FC v Golden Arrows
5:30pm: TS Galaxy v Kruger United