Battle For CAF Spots Headline PSL Weekend Fixtures

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JOHANNESBURG: A win for Amakhosi will reduce the gap between them and United to a single point, with the latter having amassed 48 points.

The DSTV Premiership is at the business end now, meaning that there are interesting matches at the top and bottom of the league table. While some clubs are vying for spots in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and the top eight, others are fighting to retain their statuses in this weekend’s round of PSL action.

With a 2022/23 season already decided, as Mamelodi Sundowns have defended their title, the main battle at the top is for the runner-ups and the third-place finishers, who would qualify for the prized CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.

In a top-of-the-table clash, the fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs would come up against the third-placed SuperSport United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium this Saturday. A win for Amakhosi will reduce the gap between them and United to a single point, with the latter having amassed 48 points.

Realistically, the Chiefs’ best finish would be third place, which is what they will push for in what has become a mild season for Arthur Zwane’s first year in charge. Matsatsantsa are gunning for the second place to play in the next season’s champions league. The form guide of these two teams would not instil fear in each other.

In their last three matches, the Chiefs won one and lost two and SuperSport won one and drew two. With regard to a head-to-head record of five matches, they have won twice and drawn once against each other. It is evident that they are evenly matched and thus it should be a tightly contested game.

Another club chasing the coveted CAF spot is Orlando Pirates who are at home to Sekhukhune United this Saturday afternoon. Undefeated in their last seven league matches with six wins and one draw, Pirates are the current form team. The Buccaneers have turned Orlando Stadium into their fortress.

Having booked their spot in the Nedbank Cup against the same outfit, Sekhukhune come into this fixture beaming with confidence, but their league form is a mixed bag with a win, a loss and a draw in the last three league games. Pirates with the home-ground advantage and rich vein of form have the edge in this game, albeit Sekhukhune would seek to solidify their top-eight finish by securing victory against the Buccaneers.

With the relegation net closing in on Maritzburg United, the Team of Choice will welcome Stellenbosch at the Harry Gwala Stadium. Maritzburg’s survival is no longer in their hands as they trail second from bottom Chippa United by three points with just two games to go. Maritzburg will keep fighting for its PSL status. On the other hand, the Stellies will seek to consolidate and ensure they are part of the MTN8.