SOCCER
Ntuthuko Maphumulo
The league title is there for the taking this season, but no one team seems to want to assert its superiority and take a commanding lead.
So far several teams have occupied the number one spot, with Cape-based Santos currently sitting pretty.
Defending Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Orlando Pirates played Sundowns in midweek and were thoroughly outclassed. The Bucaneers let three goals in without reply and saw two red cards given to their defence.
The defeat of Pirates did not go down well with their supporters and missiles started raining down on the field and the Sundowns players.
Sundowns showed why they won the PSL three times in a row and are running into some good form after a stuttering start to the season.
Pirates go into Saturday’s match against Moroka Swallows with their pride wounded and the Birds must avoid a backlash.
Lesley “Slow Poison” Manyathela is expected back from a two-game suspension and Pirates must hope Joseph Ngake gets back to form quickly after his long suspension. The winger looked rusty against Sundowns. The likes of Steve Lekoelea and Junaid Hartley will have to turn on the heat in the midfield if they are to avoid another defeat.
Swallows have boosted their strike force with the signing of veteran Mark Williams, who is hungry for action in order to further his Bafana Bafana chances.
Santos demolished PSL rookies Black Leopards who seem to have shot their bolt after a strong start to the season 4-1 and will be hoping Sunday is third-time lucky against Kaizer Chiefs.
The first time Santos and Chiefs met, Amakhosi were the 4-2 victors in the Coca-Cola Cup semifinal. Chiefs went on to win the trophy and the cheque for R2 million, but had hopes of a clean sweep of titles and cups. Chief also won the first PSL clash between the teams in September, but Santos are now the team in form and could get their revenge.
After a 0-1 loss to Golden Arrows on Wednesday, it is time for Chiefs to fight their way back to be in contention for any more silverware.