Stellenbosch stay front-runners in NFD race

STELLENBOSCH FC, who top of the log, have won four of six games and drawn the other two which sees them as the only unbeaten team in the National First Division a fifth of a way through the season.

Last time out they beat won 1-0 at Mthatha Bucks to maintain a one-point lead over former PSL outfit the University of Pretoria, who downed Mbombela United 4-1 for their fourth win of the campaign.

Stellenbosch, who contested last season’s promotion playoffs, sit on 14 points from a possible 18, while their nearest rivals are on 13.

Mbombela and Bucks share third spot, four points off the pace.

Cape Town-based All Stars were as high as second before losing their unbeaten record to Stellenbosch, which saw them drop five places.

They are now down to eighth after a 1-1 home draw with Black Leopards.

As for the Cape’s third NFD side, the news is not good for Ubunthu Cape Town, who are winless from six starts and at the foot of the 16-team standings.

Four stalemates and two losses give them four points.

Completing the bottom three are Richards Bay (four points) and Uthongathi FC (five).

A two-week break ends next weekend and Stellenbosch will tackle Richards Bay at Athlone.

It should be an easy Sunday afternoon and three more points for the frontrunners.

All Stars are in action at the same venue on Friday, entertaining former PSL side Jomo Cosmos.

A challenging fixture for the hosts against a rival two places above them on the log but coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Uthongathi.

Ubuntu Cape Town will be desperate for maximum points when welcoming Mbombela to Athlone Stadium today.