Derby Tension in KZN as Pirates Move Within Touching Distance of Sundowns
A fiery KwaZulu-Natal derby takes centre stage in the Betway Premiership this weekend as Richards Bay welcome Durban City to uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday. The clash comes just weeks after the Rich Boys knocked City out of the Carling Knockout, setting the tone for a revenge-driven rematch with local bragging rights on the line.
Saturday’s programme opens with Sekhukhune United travelling to the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium to face a Marumo Gallants side still basking in their first-ever Carling Knockout final berth. Babina Noko haven’t tasted victory in four games, but three points would rocket them into second place, especially with Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns all idle in league action.
Elsewhere, Siwelele FC look to stretch their unbeaten streak to five matches when they visit an AmaZulu FC outfit desperate to recapture momentum at Moses Mabhida. Sunday also serves up a tight mid-table duel between TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows, both tied on points and hunting a top-eight foothold.
Away from the pitch, Orlando Pirates could dramatically reshape the title race. With two games in hand on Sundowns, victories over Chippa United and Durban City before the AFCON break would take them top and apply real pressure on the champions ahead of a potentially season-defining December.
With 15 of the 23 Bafana Bafana call-ups coming from Pirates and Sundowns, AFCON will be a massive strain on both squads. Whoever escapes Morocco with fewer injuries may control the second half of the season.