Tough first game for Cavin at Chiefs
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It has been weeks since a DStv Premiership match was last played, the campaign interrupted by the MTN8 finals and then the window for international games followed by the first round of the new Carling Knockout.
But league action is back through the weekend as early season jostling for places continues. It is also the start of a tough few weeks for Orlando Pirates ahead of the Soweto derby next month against Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates are lagging behind in their league schedule and have matches to catch up, including Friday’s home clash against Polokwane City. They will play five times in 18 days before they lock horns with Chiefs on 11 November at Soccer City, while their rivals have only two games before the derby.
But whether that is a good thing remains to be seen because Chiefs certainly need fine tuning. Their weekend loss to AmaZulu in the cup saw head coach Molefi Ntseki again pelted by irate, missile-throwing supporters before being sacked come Monday and replaced on an interim basis by Cavin Johnson, one-time coach of SuperSport and AmaZulu.
Johnson’s first game at the helm will be away at Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday, when there could be more trouble if Chiefs lose again. Arrows are second in the standings, defying expectations, and had a morale-boosting cup win last weekend at home over Cape Town City.
Third in the league table are SuperSport United, who have been blowing hot and cold. But they should be too strong for Royal AM when they play at the TUT Stadium thus Thursday. Royal AM might have finished third in the league two seasons ago, but are floundering now amid reports of money issues. Their last three games have all ended in 1-0 defeats.
Log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will have to split their squad on Sunday, when they take on Moroka Swallows and play in the African Football League, likely in Cairo against Al Ahly, on the same day.
The Premier Soccer League is not allowing them to postpone any domestic games because of the team’s involvement in the new continental super league.
Also this weekend is the Spanish El Clasico in which Barcelona host Real Madrid with a single point between them in the LaLiga standings. Real are top on goal difference over surprise package Girona on 25 points with Barca on 24.
Real thumped Barcelona 4-0 on their last trip to Camp Nou in April’s Copa del Rey tie, but the Catalans did win the home game in the league against Real and should have the edge this time too.
The Manchester derby on Sunday is at Old Trafford and given the disparity in form between the two clubs, should see City win away to keep up their second place in the standings.