As the action heats up in the Betway Premiership, our independent football experts —Smiso Msomi, Herman Gibbs, and Obakeng Maletse — offer their insights and predictions for a thrilling midweek clash of teams on the brink of fate and glory.
With several teams seeking redemption after recent setbacks, fans can look forward to some intense football as clubs battle for crucial points. Here’s a comprehensive look at the fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday (all matches kick-off 7.30pm).
TUESDAY
KAIZER CHIEFS vs SUPERSPORT UNITED
After their Soweto Derby defeat, Kaizer Chiefs have bounced back in style and are unbeaten in three games across all competitions, recording two wins and a solitary draw. SuperSport have not been convincing this season and a few days ago they had to wait until extra time to finally eke out a 2-1 home win over Cape Town Spurs FC in round 16 of the Nedbank Cup.
This comes after playing out a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Tuesday's Premiership against SuperSport is a home game, and Chiefs are unbeaten in their last four home matches. SuperSport have not won an away Premiership match for over two months.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw
Betting odds – Kaizer Chiefs 1.90 | Draw 3.15 | SuperSport United 4.40
TS GALAXY vs STELLENBOSCH
Reeling from Nedbank Cup disappointment, a resurgent Rockets is expected to bring the heat when they welcome Stellenbosch to Mpumalanga.
Despite their fourth place positioning on the league standings, Galaxy go into the match as underdogs given the experience and quality of a Stellies side who have won three, lost one and drew the other of their last five games.
The visitors will head into this match as favourites because of their head to head record against Galaxy have beaten them three times and drawn the other two times these two teams have met in all competitions.
Prediction: Stellenbosch to win 2-1
Betting odds – TS Galaxy 3.05 | Draw 3.05 | Stellenbosch 2.43
CAPE TOWN CITY vs CHIPPA UNITED
Currently, Cape Town City FC ranks 8th, while Chippa United hold the 11th position on the latest Betway Premiership log. City has had several poor results recently and was dumped from the Nedbank Cup in the opening round. This is City's home match on Tuesday; they have performed better on their home patch.
Chippa arrive in the Mother City fresh from Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Kaizer Chiefs. They had their moments in the match, which could have changed the eventual outcome.
Expect an improved performance with veteran Andile Jali leading from the front. Chippa’s away form leaves much to be desired; the team has earned only 4 points from 7 games.
Prediction: Cape Town City to win 3-1
Betting odds – Cape Town City FC 1.191 | Draw 3.15 | Chippa United 4.40
POLOKWANE CITY vs MAGESI
CAF Competition contenders Polokwane City in fourth are looking to avoid a third game without victory as they look to reclaim a Confederation Cup slot against a relegation contender in Magesi.
Dikwena Tse Meetse in 15th got only their second win of the season last time out and in the process broke a ten-game winless streak and will use that confidence as they look to climb out of the relegation zone. Rise and Shine have dominated this fixture having won all three of their previous encounters both in second division and the top flight.
Prediction: Polokwane to win 1-0
Betting odds –Polokwane City 1.82 | Draw 3.20 | Magesi FC 4.80
WEDNESDAY
GOLDEN ARROWS vs ORLANDO PIRATES
This upcoming fixture will be heavily weighing towards the visitors on paper but Arrows in familiar surroundings could mount a stiff challenge for the Buccaneers.
Fresh off their thumping 3-1 win over Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup, Pirates haven’t been as consistent as they would like in the league after having lost three of their last five fixtures. Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, have only picked up five points from a possible 15 as they head into the clash.
Loaded in arsenal, Pirates have the strongest squad pound for pound regardless of the team they pick on the day and they will on the day pose a lot of questions offensively to the homeside.
Prediction: Pirates to win 2-0
Betting odds – Golden Arrows 6.20 | Draw 3.70 | Orlando Pirates win 1.56
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED vs AMAZULU FC
The Limpopo-based outfit has been one of the most consistent teams in the Premier Soccer League for the past few seasons but as they get ready to welcome Amazulu, they head to the clash on the back of some disappointing results.
Babina Noko are winless in their last four league fixtures with only two losses and one draw, while Usuthu have picked up seven points from a possible 12 in their last four outings.
Not a lot separates the two sides, with Sekhukhune two points ahead of the visitors with one game in hand and they should also just have enough to edge it with a much stronger midfield than the visitors.
Prediction: Sekhukhune to win 1-0
Betting Odds – Sekhukhune United 2.03 | Draw 3.00 | Amazulu win 4.10
MARUMO GALLANTS v MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Marumo Gallants are highly capable of springing an upset but the clash against the league champions could just be a bridge too far.
The Brazilians suffered their first league loss under new coach Miguel Cardoso as TS Galaxy inflicted a 1-0 loss last week. Both sides are coming to this clash having lost their previous encounters but with Sundowns having rested some of their key players this past weekend in the Nedbank Cup, the expectation will be for them to be back to full strength on Wednesday.
Both teams enjoy being on the ball but the quality within Sundown’s ranks will just have the edge over Siwele sa Marumo on the day.
Prediction: Sundowns to win 3-1
Betting odds – Marumo Gallants FC 9.20 | Draw 4.20 | Mamelodi Sundowns win 1.38
* Odds as recorded on Tuesday afternoon, February 17