The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is at its business end and with less than a handful of games remaining there is still everything to play for.
On Saturday, fans will be treated to three mouth-watering clashes. In the first game of the day Baroka FC travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face off against highflying Golden Arrows. Nothing less than victory will be acceptable for the PSL debutants, who have the relegation axe looming dangerously above them.
However, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Bakgaga and following their gutsy draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek, Baroka may just believe that salvation is within their grasp. Meanwhile, the Limpopo-based outfit will be without Mxolisi Kunene, who is suspended for the clash.
On the side of Abafana Besthende, coach Clinton Larsen will be wary of his team’s recent slump. Arrows have not won a game in their last five league encounters and have subsequently fallen out of the top eight.
Arrows know all too well that victory is vital if they are to maintain their top eight hopes. Nevertheless, coach Larsen has a headache of his own to deal with. Arrows will be without influential midfielder Musa Bilankulu, who will miss the clash through suspension after picking up his fourth yellow card in their 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.
In the second match of the day Polokwane City lock horns with Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Amakhosi will look to return to winning ways as they are winless in their last three encounters. Steve Komphela’s men have developed a knack for conceding late goals and the coach will be hopeful for a better defensive showing in the final period.
Ahead of the clash, Chiefs were dealt a major blow with their midfield general Willard Katsande suspended for their all-important clash. While the Glamour Boys may be out of the title race, a spot in next year’s Caf Confederation Cup is still a possibility.
On the side of Rise and Shine, they are set for their highest finish in the top flight. They find themselves currently in sixth position and a positive result on the night would confirm their place in next season’s MTN 8 competition.
Although, City will be a difficult side to face on Saturday evening, Chiefs’ record in the fixture cannot go unnoticed. In 11 previous meetings between the two clubs, the Soweto giants have claimed seven victories and have drawn four. City have never beaten Chiefs’ since reaching the top flight and will look to change that when the two sides meet on Saturday.
Lastly, Bloemfontein Celtic travel to Cape Town looking to assure themselves of safety on Saturday night. Phunya Sele Sele have undergone a season filled with instability and despite coach Luc Eymael yet to sit on the technical bench, but his influence has clearly been felt.
However, it won’t be all plain sailing for the Celtic. Ajax Cape Town have proven to be a tough nut to crack of late, having won their previous two league encounters. Stanley Menzo’s men have clawed their way back in the league from having the relegation axe looming over them, they now find themselves contesting for a top eight place.
Nonetheless, the former Dutch international will be without defender Rheece Evans for the remainder of the season after the 26-year-old failed to shrug off a groin injury. It should be noted that Siwelele are currently the league’s draw kings. They have drawn their last five league matches in succession and will hope to end that run with a win come Saturday.
