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Cape Town - With week two of the PSL fast approaching, Tashreeq Vardien predicts Kaizer Chiefs will secure maximum points against Free State Stars.
After getting a glimpse of what lies ahead in the the opening weekend of PSL action, one gets the distinct idea that teams have been raring to go following a lengthy off-season break.
Here we look at some of the highlights of the first round of games and give insight of how the week 2 could end for some teams.
CHIEFS TO GET THINGS RIGHT AGAINST STARS
Kaizer Chiefs should have left the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with Maximum points after Chippa United's Joseph Molangoane was given his marching orders minutes before the first-half ended. However, that was not to be as Roger Sikhakhane’s side were stern in the defensive as the sides completed the 90 minutes without a goal. Chiefs certainly lacked composure in their finishing department.
With Amakhosi having secured a vital away goal against Bloemfontein Celtic in their MTN8 Cup first leg semi-final which ended in a 1-1 draw, Steve Komphela will hope that they can finally bury all their chances they create against Ea Lla Koto. Another concern for Chiefs is that they fix their leaky defence. The Amakhosi have conceded four goals in three games so far in all competitions.
Kaizer Chiefs next opponents: Free State Stars
Kick-off: Saturday, August 22 at 20:15.
Prediction: 2-1 to Chiefs
SUNDOWNS TO CONTINUE SLOW START?
'Downs coach Pitso Mosimane was left frustrated as Platinum Stars held the 2013/14 PSL champions to a draw in their opening fixture.
Sundowns lacked the ability to finish off goal-bound attacking moves but Dikwena as well did not make it any easier for the Chloorkop side.
“We had a good game plan of playing good football from the beginning which we did. But fact is, you must complement that by scoring goals for your team whenever you get those chances. And unfortunately we didn’t score and we couldn’t win the match but a draw is better than nothing at the end of the day,” said Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu as they too struggled with chances.
Sundowns boast a big squad which inevitably puts the spotlight on them to reclaim the PSL title. However, this coming weekend they take on Bidvest Wits, who have been flying high in both the PSL and MTN8 Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns next opponents: Bidvest Wits
Kick-off: Saturday, August 22 at 15:00.
Prediction: 1-1
POLOKWANE TO HUMBLE BIG TEAMS?
This is exactly what we saw last season with Polokwane City as they produced some sterling performances following the arrival of Kosta Papic as coach of Rise and Shine. City went onto humble Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 in their opening PSL fixture as Phunya Sele Sele despite the Bloem side coming off a win over Sundowns in their midweek MTN8 quarter-final clash.
Polokwane City next opponents: University of Pretoria
Kick-off: Saturday, August 22 at 15:00.
Prediction: City to nick it 2-1.
WITS, SUPERSPORT IN WITH A SERIOUS TITLE SHOUT?
Bidvest Wits started their season off strongly and have managed to hold onto star forward, Sibusiso Vilakazi. The Clever Boys brought Ajax Cape Town back down to earth with a 2-1 victory and Gavin Hunt will be itching to get his hands on some silverware - with the league title top priority for the Students.
SuperSport United had to deal with an awkward experience as they participated in a two day fixture against Pirates due to lighting failure at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, which they ultimately won 1-0.
Matsatsansta have a strong defence that complements the spine of their team, which looks decent enough to challenge for league honours.
SuperSport United next opponents: MP Black Aces
Kick-off: Saturday, August 22 at 18:00.
Prediction: 3-1 to Matsatsansta
Rest of the PSL fixtures:
Orlando Pirates v Chippa United - Saturday, August 22 at 19:30.
Ajax Cape Town v Maritzburg United - Saturday, August 22 at 20:15.
Bloemfontein Celtic v Platinum Stars - Sunday, August 23 at 15:00.
Jomo Cosmos v Golden Arrows - Sunday, August 23 at 15:00.
