Premier League sprint is on

2008-03-06 18:04

Johannesburg - Four of the Absa Premiership matches this weekend will involve a top eight team against another in the bottom half, and with nine games to go clubs are combating hard to retain their place in the top half while others want to move up or escape relegation.

Premiership action though kicks off with two teams in the running for the league title, Wits host league leaders Ajax Cape Town on Friday night.

Wits v Ajax

Both narrowly lost exciting midweek fixtures and both can be expected to go full throttle again. Ajax won't want to surrender their lead while Wits want to continue climbing up the table. Both are closely followed by teams who either want to catch up with Ajax, or just want to consolidate their place in the top half.

The Cape side have lost some of the verve that put them on top and Wits would do well to capitalise on their fatigue. This match kicks off at 20:00.

Mamelodi Sundowns v Bloemfontein Celtic

The 13th placed Sundowns and 11th-placed Celtic will both want maximum points here. Although they are above the relegation zone, both are not safe from being caught by those below them.

It's desperate times for the defending league champs and for Celtic who seem to get worse with each game, especially since the departure of coach Khabo Zondo.

A draw won't be good enough but it will probably be the result.

Santos v Golden Arrows

Santos have won their last four games and Arrows have won three since the beginning of the year. Both teams are revitalised and perform confidently, obviously wanting to cement their places in the top half.

Both have 31 points, but Arrows are sixth due to a better goal average. Santos though, can close the gap since they've been in a mean scoring mood and it's going to be difficult for Arrows to get a point in the wind-tunnel called Athlone Stadium.

Orlando Pirates v Black Leopards

The Pirates move to te top was temporarily halted by Santos (2-1 loss) and Arrows (0-0) but Bucs bounced back with a hardfought win against Celtic in Bloemfontein.

Bottom of the log Leopards seemingly have no hope and one can imagine that Pirates will add to their misery on Saturday night. The Ghost have packed Joburg Stadium this year to see their heroes in action and have not been disappointed, so expect a full house as the fans expect Pirates to slay Leopards.

Pirates and Santos kick off their games at 20:00 and Sundows start in the afternoon at 15:30.

Moroka Swallows v Thanda Royal Zulu

Swallows found the net nine times in the past three games. Their menacing mood comes after a poor start to the year but it seems the Birds are on course again - for a top eight finish that is.

Thanda Royal failed to make the most of their good start of the year when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0. It's been downhill for the Durban club since their sweet victory and with Swallows in an upbeat mood, the Durbanites are going to struggle.

They're in 14th place with 20 points, three and six points above Jomo Cosmos and Leopards respectively.

They are in dire need of victory but Swallows, in seventh place, tied with Arrows and Santos on points, also want to move up. A thrilling game can be expected from these teams who have the star quality to make it an unforgettable match.

Free State Stars v Kaizer Chiefs

"The media wrote us off at the beginning of the season and no one expected us to be where we are," said Stars skipper Duncan Lechesa. "We want maximum points in every game and the Chiefs clash is no different."

Indeed no one expected the newly promoted club to be in the running for the league title, just as nobody expected Chiefs to be struggling in the bottom half.

Stars, in third place, are overwhelming favourites to slaughter the once-mighty AmaKhosi when they clash at the Goble Park Stadium on Sunday. Chiefs, in 12th place, have shown no signs of wanting to be in the top eight after they drew their 12th game of the season in midweek.

AmaZulu v Jomo Cosmos

AmaZulu are ninth and Cosmos 15th. There is no need to say who need the points more but with their wayward shooting and lack of composure in front of goal, Cosmos need another African Cup break to work on their finishing so awful it is.

AmaZulu give as much as they receive - well almost. They have conceded 10 goals and scored nine but have been unlucky in some games they should have won.

If the hosts score they can be assured of victory as Cosmos are inept at finding the back of the net. Expect Cosmos relegation woes to continue.

Platinum Stars v SuperSport United

SuperSport are not going to let the lead go, especially after beating leaders Ajax 3-2 in midweek. The Pretoria side are a point behind and if Wits beat or hold Ajax to a draw they will go top.

"We're in with a chance of winning the league," SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt said. "If we had lost, the gap would have been seven points, and if we have had to settle for a draw, there'd still be a four point difference."

Stars have looked more determined since the arrival of former Sundowns coach Miguel Gamondi and Cavin Johnson. Luck though deserted the Tycoons against Chiefs and Cosmos as they were unable to score and with United looking to close their gap, Stars will be in for a torrid time on Sunday.

This game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00. The rest of the clashes start at 15:30.

- SAPA