PSL Weekend – Previews and Predictions

There’s plenty of action on the cards in the second weekend of South African football post-COVID-19, as well as the first with league action.

Without further ado, let’s get back to business and get into our advice on where to put your money.

AmaZulu v Baroka (15 August, 13:30)

Ayanda Dlamini’s men take on Dylan Kerr’s charges at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in a relegation six-pointer.

Baroka, who are 13th on the table, were off the boil against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, but they now have a chance to redeem themselves. Having played already since returning should give them a slight advantage.

15th-placed AmaZulu trail Bakgaga only on goal difference. The COVID-enforced break came at a bad time for them, as they were just beginning to play some impressive football — particularly in the 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs on 7 March.

A stalemate is anticipated in this game as the two teams begin to find their feet again.

Suggested Bet: Draw at 3.00

Stellenbosch vs. Golden Arrows (15 August, 13:30)

The other early Saturday kick-off sees two Steves battle it out. Steve Komphela’s Golden Arrows face Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch in a match between two top eight hopefuls.

ABSA Tuks Stadium is a hunting ground of special significance to Barker, who led AmaTuks to the top flight.

Komphela’s side has had an impressive season, but they have drawn eight of their 23 games. Another draw is on the cards in what should be an evenly-matched encounter between two sides each testing themselves for the first time in the Biological Safe Environment bubble.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Suggested Bet: Draw at 2.95

Polokwane City vs. Kaizer Chiefs (15 August, 15:30)

Kaizer Chiefs played some good football in their 1-1 draw with Bidvest Wits and should have put the game to bed. They will be eager to ensure that they do not let more points slip when they face Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld.

Amakhosi have gotten a bit of a feel for football again and are likely to be more comfortable than Rise and Shine.

Polokwane City have struggled recently and lost 16 of their last 20 games in all competitions. The form book may be going out the window, but such an abysmal run cannot be ignored.

Kaizer Chiefs are likely to claim a comfortable win this time and title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns cannot expect any favours even on their own turf.

Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs 2-0

Suggested Bet: HT/FT – Draw/Kaizer Chiefs at 3.75

Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits (15 August, 18:00)

Orlando Pirates do battle with Bidvest Wits at Emirates Airline Park in a contest between two sides who have already familiarised themselves with the new normal.

The Clever Boys have only one last shot at winning the league and have already shown they are willing to throw everything at it.

However, the Buccaneers have a more balanced squad and are tipped for a narrow win.

Prediction: Orlando Pirates 1-0

Suggested Bet: Orlando Pirates to win at 2.15

Black Leopards vs. Maritzburg United (16 August, 15:30)

Bottom-of-the-table Black Leopards face high-flying Maritzburg United at FNB Stadium in the first Sunday game.

The Team of Choice may have had their momentum disrupted by COVID-19, but they have a team brimming with quality.

Meanwhile, Lidoda Duvha are bottom of the table and in a certain degree of disarray following coach Alan Clark’s departure for Kosovo. Caretaker coaches Mongezi Bobe and Morgan Shivambu face a tough task as they seek to steady the ship.

Lesedi Kapinga is no longer with Black Leopards having left to join Mamelodi Sundowns, making life even more difficult. Maritzburg are therefore likely to come out on top.

Prediction: Maritzburg United 2-0

Suggested Bet: Maritzburg United to win at 1.55

SuperSport United vs. Bloemfontein Celtic (16 August, 18:00)

The final Sunday clash sees a SuperSport United side minus the departed Dean Furman do battle with Nedbank Cup finalists Phunya Sele Sele at Bidvest Stadium.

SuperSport United have their fair share of talented youngsters and Teboho Mokoena in particular should be able to fill the gap vacated by former skipper Furman, with Ronwen Williams taking the armband.

Bloem Celtic will be flying high after beating Baroka in the Nedbank Cup and have the advantage of having tested themselves in the bio-bubble already.

All factors considered, the teams are evenly-matched and a draw is the likely result.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Suggested Bet: Draw at 3.40