Points premium in Central’s dogfights
The East London Central Local Football Association will be hosting week 17 of its premier league fixtures this weekend at the North End Stadium.
It will take someone bold to predict the top six sides from faltering against opponents who have been battling to adapt to the rigours of premier league football this season.
The main match on Sunday at 3.30pm features Parkside United and defending champions Riverside who sit in sixth place. The top four are out of reach for either side.
Everyone knew that Ayanda Zamxakas’ Parkside United would approach the Premier League with tight organisation and steely resolve. The doubt was whether they carried enough attacking potencyand speed to turn competitive performances into wins – an area they did but could not repeat week in and week out.
Riverside, on the other hand, possesses an attacking unit with boundless enthusiasm but a defensive mechanism that has been leaking goals like crazy this season. Topsy- turvy Brothers of Peace face a stern test against second-placed Pride of India at 2pm.
In some ways, however, a backs-against-the-wall scenario might just be what the doctor ordered for Brothers of Peace to truly express themselves and find their lost confidence and rhythm.
Lybo Poyos’ struggling Napoli faces another big-game test against fourth-placed DiRoma at 12.30pm.
There is no doubt that DiRoma striker Angel Snyman has been the most prolific goalgetter this season and a master at exploiting that right ‘halfspace’, the area between fullback and centre-back.
Napoli will be in for a long afternoon if they are unable to counter DiRoma’s attacking style of play.
Rock-bottom Atlantic Spurs face another ominous task in fifth-placed Swaraj at 11am.
On Saturday at 2pm fourthplaced Seagulls should have too much firepower for a troubled Conquerors.
Struggling Millan are embroiled in their own fight against relegation. The Scenery Park-based outfit could be in for another chastening afternoon when they face log-leaders and champions-elect Star of India at 3.30pm.
Millan have a dreadful record against Star of India, which include a record 19-0 defeat in 2016.
East London Central will also host the penultimate round of the John Korkie-sponsored first division league action this week. With Imonti Christian Centre having already wrapped up the title, the battle is on for the remaining premier league promotional spot, with only two points separating Leeds United, K-Way and FC East London.
On Thursday evening Saints cross swords with FC East London at 6.30pm and newly crowned champs Imonti Christian Centre take on Real Dukashe at 8pm. Alphen Warriors and Central United do battle on Sunday at 9.30am.
East London Central concludes its inaugural Deolin Willemse-sponsored U21 league this weekend, and it all comes down to the title decider at 12.30pm at the North End Stadium between log-leaders Millan and second placed Riverside. While Millan only require a draw nothing less than a win will suffice for Riverside.
The penultimate round of EL Central LFA U10, U12 and U14 league fixtures shall also take place on Saturday at the North End stadium and on the Parkside grounds.