Dube Birds to face first big Premiership test
THE biggest game of today's DSTV Premiership fixtures will see early season surprise package Moroka Swallows square off against Cape Town City at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
Whilst the Dube Birds have defied the odds by winning five out of their eight league games so far, which leaves them in second place in the standings, their only win against a so-called elite side was their 1-0 victory over out-ofform Kaizer Chiefs in November.
Beating City could be a major statement of intent from Swallows given that the Citizens are an established side, capable of beating any team in the league when on song.
Golden Arrows will be looking to continue their strong early season form when they square off against Black Leopards at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont this afternoon.
Arrows enter the game on the back of a creditable 1-1 draw against defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns but will nevertheless be concerned that they have drawn five out of their last six games.
Mandla Ncikazi's side will be fancying their chances of beating Leopards, who dropped into last place on the standings on goal difference after Maritzburg United picked up their first victory of the season by beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 on Saturday.
The aim for sixth placed Arrows will be to attain a strong top eight finish and a victory will boost their confidence.
Meanwhile, Leopards will be looking to muster a run of good results in order to move away from the basement of the league table. Lidoda Duvha can take heart from the fact that they did record a league double over Arrows last season with two 2-1 victories.
In a mid-table clash, Stellenbosch FC (ninth) will square off against Tshakhuma Tsha Mazivandila (TTM), who are 10th. TTM have made a steady start to their debut season but have so far picked up just one league win, which came against Baroka FC in November.
They have lost just one out of their last five games, having drawn their last three and will fancy their chances of extending their unbeaten run against Stellies.
A victory for Steve Barker's side will likely see them climb into the top eight of the standings. After finishing 10th in the league in their debut campaign last season, a top eight finish this season will be an encouraging sign of progress for Stellies.