Title chase hots up in EL premier league

IT IS Super Sunday at the North End Stadium this weekend as East London Central Local Football Association prepare to host three massive and mouthwatering premier league fixtures between the six title contenders.

They don’t come any bigger than the 4pm gigantic clash between secondplaced Star of India and third-placed Seagulls in a repeat of the epic 2017 Easter Tournament Platinum Cup final.

In their last three meetings Star of India have had the edge over their Sunday opponents, having beaten them 3-2 in the premier league last season and then sharing the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate in their second round encounter.

Star of India then captured the 2017 Easter Tournament when they beat Seagulls 3-1 in the final.

Seagulls head coach Ayanda Zamxaka was, however, unfazed about their previous results. “The only thing one learns from past results is where you went wrong and what needs to be done to rectify those mistakes,” said Zamxaka.

While Seagulls share the podium with Pride of India in terms of the least goals conceded in the premier league this season, their Braelyn-based rivals have already bagged 33 goals in their eight league appearances – the highest number of goals scored by a club in the league.

Defending premier league champions Swaraj face seventh-placed Pride of India in the main curtain raiser at 2.30pm.

Despite languishing in sixth place Swaraj is by no means out of the title race as only five points separate them and the frontrunners.

Swaraj head coach Vernon Nono was under no illusion in terms of how paramount it is for them to collect the maximum points on Sunday.

“It has always been extremely difficult to break down Prides’ defensive rear guard as they have some tactically strong and physical players. We are also very much aware of their other strength which is on the counter attack, where they can be devastating. However, we have prepared well for this match,” said Nono.

Fifth-placed Atlantic Spurs know that they will need to up the ante when they take on the current premier log leaders Riverside at 1pm.

Spurs suffered a major blow to their title aspirations when Brothers of Peace beat them 3-2 last weekend. Club coach Luigi Shaw knows that he will need to beef up his defence that has already conceded 17 goals this season if they aim to be serious title contenders.

On Saturday Saints will be aiming to continue with their revival when they host Buffalo City Sports Academy at 4.30pm and Conquerors entertain Napoli on Thursday evening at 8pm.

The East London Central John Korkiesponsored first division promotional league has become a six horse race.

Central United lead the table and is followed by Leeds United and Imonti Christian Centre, while Brothers of Peace U20, F C East London and Millan are level on points and four points off the table toppers.

On Sunday FC East London and Millan clash at 10am at the North End stadium in a tricky encounter for either side and K-Way cross swords with the embattled Alphen Warriors at 11.30am.

On Saturday Riverside U20 lock horns with struggling Diaroma United at 3pm and on Thursday evening Imonti Christian Centre and Leeds United clash in a pick of this week’s first division league program.

East London Central Youth league action continues this Saturday at the North End Stadium, Showgrounds and in Parkside.

Youth Director Vuyo Zambodla has been impressed with the Peffervillebased sides, Central United and Pefferville United, that have taken centre stage with outstanding performances so far in their respective age categories.

“Clearly that is a lot of young and raw talent within the Pefferville community,” said Zambodla.

Prides and Central United are the force to reckon with in the U10 league, while it is a three horse race between Central United, Pefferville United and Leeds United in the U12 league.

Seagulls and Pefferville United are dominating matters in the U14 league while Pefferville United and Central United are clear favourites to win the U16 league championship.

The U18 league is, at this stage, a closely fought tussle between Swaraj, Millan, Riverside and Braelyn United.