The action heats up as we fast approach the business end of the National First Division, eight-points separating the log leaders from the final play-off spot, while down under there is just one point between the bottom three.
It has been a minute since I've put pen to paper, mostly due time and other commitments, but let me get back into the swing of previews – focussing mostly on Cape NFD, because as they say in these neck of the woods, “hier kom n ding...” 😉.
First stop is Athlone Stadium, as bottom-placed Ubuntu Cape Town kicks off the weekend's proceedings on Friday - hosting Jomo Cosmos who are currently on a six-match losing streak, away from home.
The Brave should fancy their chances against Ezenkosi, whose last two visits to the Mother City ended in defeat - but will also not take things lightly, with just six points separating the two sides and bearing in mind that Cosmos heads into the encounter on the back their cup progression and a league win.
All roads lead to the Kanyamazane Stadium on Saturday, as the log-leading Stellenbosch square off against one of their closest title rivals in Mbombela United.
The two sides have already met on twice this season, both ending action-filled 0-0 draw, but pressure will be on Tingwenyama according Stellies coach Steve Barker.
“Mbombela away is always a tough game, we in this position and relishing these challenges – in the end of the day the pressure is more on the opposition, If Mbombela does not get a positive result we could go eleven points clear,” concluded Barker.
Sundays action sees another Cape promotional-hopeful in action, as second-placed Ajax Cape Town host Limpopo-outfit Tshakhuma, who has found the going tough of late - collecting two points in their last four, while the Urban Warriors boast three consecutive wins at home and a first round 2-1 away victory against TTM.
Cape Umoya wraps up the NFD weekend with a trip to Richards Bay – the Spirited Ones have been quietly doing their business, currently boasting a seven-match unbeaten run in the league since Dominic Isaacs took charge of the head coaching role – a massive showing for a team who were bottom of the log before Isaacs appointment.
[Cape Fixtures]
Friday, 08 February
Ubuntu Cape Town vs Jomo Cosmos
-Athlone Stadium
Saturday, 09 February
Mbombela United vs Stellenbosch
- Kanyamazane Stadium
Sunday, 10 February
Ajax Cape Town vs Tshakhuma TM
- Athlone Stadium
Richards Bay vs Cape Umoya
-Umhlathuze Sports Complex
