Callies, Rovers in titanic tussle

Leading clubs look to build on tantalising cup victories

COMING off the back of some tantalising action in the Mala Moodley Knockout Cup, clubs will be looking to capitalise on that form as the Northern Areas Football Association premier league resumes this weekend. Bloom Callies will be looking to build on their 3-2 win in the cup event against first division side Warriors as they prepare to take on log-leaders Fairview Rovers in an important top-of-the-table clash.

Rovers also progressed to the second round of the cup when they beat first division side Swallows 4-1 on penalties.

Defending champions Wolves will be looking to bounce back from their 5-4 penalty shootout defeat against first division side Apex United when they take on Ramblers in a must-win game for both sides as they look to consolidate their top five positions in the league.

With the top five teams separated by only four points, Helenvale take on ninthplaced Park United in a tricky fixture which could see them move as high as third in the log.

Last weekend’s knockout saw 32 Nafa affiliate clubs in action. The biggest shock came when defending premier league champions Wolves bowed out to first division side Apex United 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 3-3.

Premier league bottom-feeders Shamrocks will be out to snatch all three points this weekend, knowing a win could see them move off the foot of the table.

Having lost 5-4 on penalties to Booysen’s Pride in the cup, the Malabar-based club will be out to avoid losing a third straight match when they take on another cup victim in Stardrift, who went down 3-2 on penalties to first division side Lakeshire.

The fixtures, kicking off at 3.30pm, are: