Gloves are off in big NFD dogfight
D-DAY: SOME FIGHTING TO GO UP AND OTHERS TO STAY UP
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Tomorrow is D-Day as the National First Division draws to a dramatic finish with seven teams in desperate situations. Drama is expected in seven of the eight games with only the Stellenbosch v Highlands Park match being a dead rubber.
The results of the other seven games will have an influence on who joins Jomo Cosmos in the play-offs or follows Mthatha Bucks to the ABC Motsepe League.
Four teams – Uthongathi FC; Richards Bay, Super Eagles and Ubuntu Cape Town – will be fighting to stay in the NFD. Uthongathi need a point to be safe but must not expect an easy collection against University of Pretoria.
Richards Bay will have to give their best performance as they visit Mbombela United who, despite not having anything to gain, will fight under their new coach.
Based on their opponents’ form, Super Eagles can grab the three points and move to safety as they host relegated Bucks. But their own record is not promising and with Bucks players now playing to impress other teams, it will be a tough match.
But it is Ubuntu who cannot afford to lose when they host the unpredictable Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Defeat will mean all the other teams are safe and they get relegated while a win could save them.
Fighting for a place in the playoffs which comes with a chance to gain promotion to the top flight are Black Leopards, Real Kings and Witbank Spurs.
Lidoda Duvha will have to be at their best when they host Jomo Cosmos who have already qualified for the play-offs. What lightens the load for Joel Masutha’s side is that a draw could be enough to book them a spot.
For Kings and Spurs only a win will suffice. Kings host Cape Town All Stars while Siyavutha go to Royal Eagles.
Matches will start at 3pm and Highlands Park will be officially crowned champions after their match against Stellenbosch.