Preview: Derbies galore in packed PSL weekend
There are derbies aplenty to look forward to in the latest round of Absa Premiership action this weekend. With most eyes set to fall on Soweto, fans in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo will also see old rivalries rekindled by top-tier clubs in their provinces.
The action kicks off in Pietermaritzburg on Friday night when struggling Maritzburg United host high-flying Lamontville Golden Arrows at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The last meeting between the two sides was a feisty affair at the end of last season, when the match ended in a 1-1 scoreline.
“My players are absolutely fired up for the game and I’m sure they will be the same,” said Abafana Bes’thende coach Clinton Larsen, whose side top the table alongside Kaizer Chiefs.
Also on Friday night, Chippa United will be looking for their first win in three matches in all competition when they welcome Platinum Stars to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Chilli Boys are currently seventh, with Dikwena 10th and two places above Maritzburg. Both matches kick-off at 8pm.
Then on Saturday, it’s the big one – the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
“It’s huge when we face each other,” said veteran midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala. “There is a great history behind the teams and the tradition, the rivalry, the success of both teams and the huge followings that each team has – that makes this a game big in all aspects.”
While Amakhosi are first on the table, the Buccaneers are fourth and four points adrift, with a game in hand.
There are two more games to look forward to later on Saturday as Ajax Cape Town play their first match since the resignation of Roger de Sa. They are coachless against SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium with the sides 15th and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile in the Free State, Bloemfontein Celtic will be playing Bidvest Wits at the Dr. Molemela Stadium. The Students played and won in midweek to climb third, while Siwelele are in 11th place.
The first Limpopo derby takes centre stage on Sunday as Baroka FC entertain Polokwane City at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Rise and Shine are flying high in sixth at present, while Bakgaga are ninth in their first season in the top-flight.
Also on Sunday, bottom-of-the-table Mamelodi Sundowns play their first league match in six weekswhen they are home to eighth-placed Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Brazilians, however, have five games in hand over the leaders and have not been involved in any action due to their successful CAF Champions League campaign.
Finally, 13th plays 14th when Highlands Park take on Free State Stars at Makhulong Stadium