05 November 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 10

After an historic sporting weekend for South Africa, football fans need not wait long for more entertainment. Premier Division action returns in midweek.

Orlando Pirates face a tough test on home soil, while Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to hit the road.

Orlando Stadium hosts a clash between a Pirates side smarting from Soweto derby defeat and a Maritzburg United outfit fresh off their fifth win in a row including penalty shootouts.

The Buccaneers won their last league match 1-0 against Highlands Park, who the Team of Choice beat on penalties in the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals.

Eric Tinkler will be up against a side he once coached, but much time has passed since then. Rhulani Mokwena is now in the hotseat and feeling the pressure.

Both teams are likely to be worn down from weekend action and Orlando Pirates have another derby on the horizon. A scrappy fight is expected with Maritzburg expected to escape with a point.

A Bloemfontein Celtic team without a win in four games looks to recover its golden touch at home to Highlands Park at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Phunya Sele Sele have been impressive on home soil this season with seven points in four games, including fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

Highlands Park have had a fine season, but their form has faltered slightly with defeats to Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United. Nevertheless, it would always be a mistake to write the fourth-placed team in the league off.

An even contest is expected with a draw the predicted outcome in Bloemfontein.

In a rematch of the Telkom Knockout quarter-final at Mbombela Stadium, SuperSport United and Golden Arrows do battle in the Premiership.

Steve Komphela’s side picked up a 1-0 win in the cup with a superbly organised display. They remained compact although Matsatsantsa bossed possession and hit Kaitano Tembo’s team on the counter-attack when they could.

Abafana Bes’thende’s winner came courtesy of a Lindokuhle Mtshali free-kick, but a backlash from a dangerous SuperSport United side is expected.

Luck was not with Tembo’s side over the weekend as Aubrey Modiba’s late penalty hit the post. This time, a draw is the expected outcome between two evenly-matched teams.

Minus Benni McCarthy, Cape Town City host under pressure Zlatko Krmpotić’s Polokwane City at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Rise and Shine have already visited Cape Town this season, winning 2-0 at Newlands in the MTN8. However, they find themselves in a difficult position after four defeats in a row.

Cape Town City, meanwhile, have not won in nine matches and head into the match with a caretaker coach. Polokwane City ironically started that drought back in August.

The Citizens have, however, often played some good football without much reward. Their luck is bound to turn eventually, and on home soil against another out-of-form side, this could be the ideal fixture.

Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch visit his former club, AmaZulu, at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday.

Stellies are riding high after four league games in a row unbeaten, including victories over Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates in their last two.

AmaZulu, meanwhile, have been hit and miss recently. They, too, have won their last two league games. However, sandwiched in between those was a 5-0 Telkom Knockout loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Usuthu can be solid defensively at the best of times, but once they do concede, the floodgates often open. Stellies, meanwhile, are perhaps still searching for their best XI.

These teams have plenty in common and a draw in Durban is the expected result.

Chippa United host league leaders Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after suffering Telkom Knockout heartbreak against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Chilli Boys took the lead twice against the defending Premiership champions only to lose on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Norman Mapeza has got his team playing well considering the turmoil at the club, but Kaizer Chiefs are fresh off a win over Orlando Pirates and have shown that they have learned how to grind difficult opponents down.

Amakhosi are predicted to leave the Friendly City with all three points.

Baroka host Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium as Wedson Nyirenda’s men look to end a five-game losing streak.

Sundowns had to sweat for their Sunday penalty shootout win over Chippa United, but managed to do what they needed to. Pitso Mosimane’s men are well-trained at this art and are expected to produce the goods once more.

Baroka have not won at home since April and their poor form on their own turf is set to continue.

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