Despite losing to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs' performance was aknowledged as arguably their best of the season under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Image: Backpagepix
As the Betway Premiership season heats up, teams are battling for crucial points in their respective campaigns. Some clubs are pushing for the title, others are fighting for a top-eight finish, while a few are desperate to escape relegation. With key fixtures lined up, including Kaizer Chiefs' homecoming, Marumo Gallants’ momentum, and Orlando Pirates’ bid for redemption, fans can expect thrilling encounters. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming matches, predictions, and odds.
KAIZER CHIEFS vs MAGESI FC @ FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, 7.30pm
Kaizer Chiefs return to their headquarters after a humbling 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. Magesi, on the other hand, are riding high after a shock victory over SuperSport United. Chiefs may feel the strain from the Sundowns clash, but they will enjoy the home-ground advantage.
This season, Chiefs have a fair home record with four victories and three defeats. Magesi may still be on a high after their SuperSport conquest, and Chiefs could take advantage. Magesi usually struggle in away games, and in 11 away matches, they have only managed to win twice, losing six times.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs to win 2-0.
Odds: Kaizer Chiefs 1.63 | Draw 3.50 | Magesi 3.50
MARUMO GALLANTS FC vs STELLENBOSCH FC @ Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein, 7.30pm
Marumo Gallants FC will host Stellenbosch in Bloemfontein, where they have enjoyed tremendous crowd support from former Bloemfontein Celtic supporters. This "12th-man" boost from the stands has given Gallants a great lift in home games. That was evident on Saturday when Gallants pulled off a remarkable giant-killing win over championship-chasing Orlando Pirates.
Stellenbosch are struggling to score, even though they dominate matches, as opposition teams have found ways to curb their adventurous playing style. Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker will need to tweak his game plan to improve their results.
Prediction: Marumo Gallants to lose 2-1 to Stellies.
Odds: Marumo Gallants 4.20 | Draw 3.30 | Stellenbosch FC 1.89
CAPE TOWN CITY vs TS GALAXY @ Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, 7.30pm
Currently on a seven-game winless run, Cape Town City are the most out-of-form side in the division and are desperate for a positive result at home when TS Galaxy come to town.
Under the experienced Muhsin Ertugral, the Citizens have lost six of their last seven Betway Premiership matches, struggling with a host of crucial injuries while preparing for this encounter.
The visitors, on the other hand, are working hard to cement a place in the top eight as the season draws to a close, currently holding seventh spot. Coming off a win against Golden Arrows in their last match, The Rockets will arrive in Cape Town confident and hoping to exploit City's vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Expect a 2-2 draw.
Odds: Cape Town City 2.75 | Draw 3.00 | TS Galaxy 2.70
CHIPPA UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES @ Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha, 7.30pm
The Chilli Boys have unfortunately placed themselves in a tough spot as they face an Orlando Pirates side desperate to bounce back from a shock defeat in their last match.
The Buccaneers’ title ambitions may be in tatters, but coach José Riveiro will demand a reaction from his team after their surprise loss to relegation strugglers Marumo Gallants last weekend. Pirates have dominated Chippa United, having last lost to the Eastern Cape-based side in 2016, and they will look to add to the four wins they've recorded over the last five encounters.
Prediction: Pirates to bounce back 3-1.
Odds: Chippa United 6.40 | Draw 3.80 | Orlando Pirates 1.54
New Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi is expected to be in the technical area for Wednesday night's Beteay Premiership clash against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
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GOLDEN ARROWS vs MAMELODI SUNDOWNS @ Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, 7.30pm
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit has fared fairly well despite the disruptions they have faced this season, including the departure of Mabhuti Khenyeza.
Currently 11th on the log and only five points shy of a place in the top eight, Abafana Bes’thende still have four games in hand. With Manqoba Mngqithi set to take over the reins just in time to face his former team, they could pull off a surprise result.
However, the quality in Sundowns’ ranks and the momentum they bring with them after a series of important victories will count against the home side.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns to win 3-1
Odds: Golden Arrows 7.80 | Draw 4.20 | Mamelodi Sundowns 1.42
RICHARDS BAY vs SEKHUKHUNE UNITED @ King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, 7.30pm
Unbeaten in five matches, the Natal Rich Boys have struggled to convert their draws into wins. As a result, they remain heavily involved in the relegation battle with just 18 points from 19 matches.
Sekhukhune United were humbled by Mamelodi Sundowns in a 4-2 defeat in their last outing. However, they continue to maintain a firm grip on third place, facing tight competition from Polokwane City and AmaZulu.
Despite the significant points gap between the two sides, this match is expected to be closely contested, with the result likely to go either way.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw
Odds: Richards Bay FC 2.70 | Draw 2.90 | Sekhukhune United 2.80
SUPERSPORT UNITED vs AMAZULU FC @Lucas "Masterpieces" Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, 7.30pm
On current form, AmaZulu will have the advantage heading into this contest.
The Betway Premiership mid-table teams have been inconsistent, but Usuthu have managed to secure wins against Cape Town City (2-0) and Magesi FC (3-0), propelling them up to fifth on the table.
Matsatsantsa, on the other hand, looked to be getting back on track with four points from two matches. However, their last outing ended in a surprise 1-0 loss to Magesi, leaving them desperate for a positive result in their upcoming fixture.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw
Odds: SuperSport United 2.08 | Draw 3.05 | AmaZulu FC 3.85
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