Sundowns target another record

Sundowns target another record

R2 buys you a chance to win a life-changing amount of cash in this Saturday’s Soccer 13, which starts with a R15-million carryover that should produce a mega R32-million pool. Also on Saturday TAB is adding R1 million to the popular Soccer Any 13 Xtra bet and you can expect a pool of well over R2 million. All the details are inside.

By Mark Gleeson

With Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants back from African club competition adventures, there is a full programme of DStv Premiership fixtures this weekend that are almost sure to generate significant changes in the standings.

Not at the top mind you! Sundowns are firmly ensconced at the summit and it is only when, not if, they will secure their sixth successive league title.

They are away at Stellenbosch on Sunday, in between African Champions League clashes against Al Ahly, and a trip to the Winelands is perhaps a chance to rest some weary legs. As everyone knows, the players Sundowns have in reserve are capable of beating any PSL team, so it should make no difference to their hopes of winning.

Should they do so, Sundowns will extend their winning run to 16 games, a record for the Premier Soccer League era and three away from matching Kaizer Chiefs in 1991.

The rest of the clubs are still bunched together. SuperSport United are second on 36 points and from third-placed Orlando Pirates down to Golden Arrows in 12th, there is only a difference of six points. It is unusual for the log to be so compact and consequently when a club wins the order changes substantially. Cape Town City, for example, have climbed from 12th spot to sixth on the back of successive victories over Swallows FC and Sekhukhune United.

They are away at second-from-bottom Maritzburg United on Saturday night. Maritzburg made a bright start under new coach Fadlu Davids, but have now gone five games without a victory and are back in the doldrums.

The weekend programme begins with Orlando Pirates against Swallows, a game they must win to get back in the groove after the disappointment of the Soweto derby defeat.

Catching SuperSport must now be the priority for both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who have the same number of points. Also on 31 points is Richards Bay, who will host Chiefs in Umlazi on Saturday.

SuperSport play the last match of the weekend on Sunday against Golden Arrows at home and will be up against a side that blows hot and cold but is capable of beating most teams on its day.

You will find all the PSL and EPL games this Saturday and Sunday among the 30 matches that make up the weekend’s Soccer Any 13 Xtra. The pool starts with a massive R1-million cash injection from TAB and for those who have never played this fantastic bet, this weekend is a great time to start. Remember you select which 13 of the 30 games you wish to play and that is what makes Any 13 Xtra so special.