What a weekend!
Two R500,000-added TAB Soccer 10 bets that should generate pools of some R3-million each, five other pools with added cash from TAB, and the first PSL matches since December will ensure a super weekend.
Reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns will reach the halfway mark of the DStv Premiership season tomorrow night when they host Orlando Pirates. Draws in two of their last three outings before the mid-season break have seen their lead cut to nine points, but it’s a significant advantage and they have a game in hand of many rivals.
There’s still some way to go before they can claim the title again, but if there is to be a dramatic about turn in the championship race, it has to start at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow with Sundowns suffering their first league defeat of the season.
For Pirates it’s as good an opportunity as there will ever be to beat Sundowns, who had 11 players return this week from the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast fatigued and in need of rest.
Pirates are in fifth place with 25 points, 13 behind the Brazilians, but with 14 games remaining there’s still time to launch a bid at the title. What’s against them is that they were too inconsistent in the first half of the season despite a talented squad.
Cape Town City are in second place on 29 points and ahead of SuperSport United on goal difference only. City are away at Chippa United in East London tomorrow afternoon and SuperSport host Stellenbosch in Polokwane tonight.
Stellenbosch sit in fourth spot on 26 points and can go second if they win away, which would continue a dream season that includes their success in the Carling Knockout in December.
Liverpool are back in action tomorrow with a two-point lead in the standings and will be seeking their first Premier League win at Brentford after losing twice previously.
Manchester City still have a game in hand over the Merseyside giants though and will be looking to win their 12th successive match in all competitions when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium tomorrow evening.
City will go into the contest in buoyant mood after securing a 3-1 away victory over FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League on Tuesday. Chelsea are seeking their third away game in a row.