Saturday | February 17, 2024

At the back of a relatively successful African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for South Africa, the domestic league resumed last night in Atteridgeville with a draw between Supersport United Football Club (FC) and Stellenbosch FC.

There are strings of DStv Premiership League matches today and tomorrow around South Africa.

On top of the picks of today’s clashes is the Mamelodi Sundowns FC up against Orlando Pirates FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria at 20h00.

The Brazilians [Sundowns] top the league with 38 points from 14 games, and know no loss this season. Meanwhile,  Pirates’ 16 games placed them 5th on the log with 25 points, some 13 points off Sundowns’ mark.

Tonight’s game is important for both teams. Without a doubt, Sundowns want to keep the winning momentum and, in the process, set new records.

On the other hand, the Buccaneers [Pirates] want to reduce the gap between them and the log-leaders, and challenge for the title.

In the past five league matches the two South African big clubs played, Sundowns won three and drew two from the previous season. The draws arise from the previous season.

If these recent matches are any hint, Sundowns have an upperhand.

AFCON fatigue

It is not clear whether the Sundowns and Pirates players who played for South Africa (SA) in the 2023 AFCON will be selected for tonight’s encounter.

As a matter of record, SA went all the way to play 3rd play-offs in this year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast that ended on Feb. 11 with the host nation beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

Majority of players who featured for SA were from Sundowns. These are players who form the main spine of the defending league champions.

Indeed, Pirates too, had a few who are essential for their squad.

Nevertheless, tonight’s league tie will be an interesting affair as it has always been in their past meetings. Whoever is selected to play for either team will put their best foot forward as the resume from a month-long recess.

Friday, Feb. 16 DStv Premiership Results:

Supersport United FC 1-1 Stellenbosch FC

Saturday, Feb. 17 DStv Premiership Fixtures:

Moroka Swallows FC VS Polokwane City FC at Dobsonville Stadium (Soweto) – 15h30

Chippy United FC vs Cape Town City FC at Buffalo City Stadium (East London) – 15h30

Sekhukhune FC vs Richards Bay United FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane) – 17h30

Cape Town Spurs vs AmaZulu FC at Athlone Stadium (Cape Town) – 17h45

Sunday, Feb. 18 DStv Premiership Fixtures:

Royal AM vs Kaizer Chiefs FC at Harry Gwala Stadium (Pietermaritzburg) – 15h30

TS Galaxy FC VS Golden Arrows FC at Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit) – 17h45