Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Things are shaping up in the Cape
THERE’S much to lose and plenty to gain for the Cape’s NFD clubs this weekend as they head into arguably the most pivotal round of fixtures since the start of the season.
The five clubs’ fortunes have varied so far, and all besides Stellenbosch FC have shown patchy form and flattered to deceive over the first third of the campaign.
As the 10th round of games throws up two local derbies and a tough trip to KwaZuluNatal, Stellenbosch will be the only side not playing to stave off the threat of relegation.
The Winelands club are the highest-placed local team – they’re second after six wins and three draws – and trail undefeated league leaders Thanda Royal Zulu by three points. They face Cape Town’s lowest- placed team today when they host Cape Town All Stars at Coetzenburg.
All Stars are second-last on the log after one win, four draws and four defeats and head into match in somewhat of a crisis. Former Nigeria and Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia will become the fourth man to take charge of the club today, following the dismissal of three members of the technical team.
Assistant coach Dylan Deane, who had been acting as caretaker coach, physiotherapist Fareed Cassiem and fitness coach Riedoh Berdien all had their contracts terminated on Thursday. Their dismissals follow the resignations of head coaches Mlungisi “Professor” Ngubane and Patrick Mabedi in September and October respectively.
Despite this, Stellenbosch must to be wary of Igugu Lekapa, as their only defeat in their last seven games came against fellow locals Milano United.
Today’s other Cape derby will see Santos host FC Cape Town at Athlone Stadium in a match that could shake up the bottom half of the table.
The People’s Team are third-last with seven points, trailing Mbombela United on goal difference and leading All Stars by two points. The African Beasts are 11th with 11 points, but a loss could see them drop as low as 14th.
Santos have drawn their last four games after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch before their run of stalemates. They also drew 3-3 with All Stars in their only other derby this season.
FC Cape Town have suffered from inconsistent form but recently brought a threematch losing streak to an end when they beat All Stars 2-1 last weekend.
The victory will be a major confidence boost ahead of their second derby in as many games, especially as another win could push them into the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, Milano could also climb into the top-eight if they beat Royal Eagles and a few other results go their way.
Milano are 12th, level on points with FC Cape Town but trailing on goals scored, but face an uphill battle against third-placed Eagles at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The KwaZulu-Natal team have already played every other Cape side, thrashing All Stars 6-2 and losing 2-1 to Stellenbosch earlier in the season before thumping FC Cape Town 4-1 and drawing 1-1 against Santos in their last two games.
The NFD will take a twoweek break following this weekend’s round of fixtures.