Central’s top guns set to square off in fierce clashes at North End
This weekend’s East London Central Local Football Association Premier League Week 4 Championship fixtures at the North End Stadium are bound to provide interesting clashes between the top sides that will shape the top end of the table, and also provide momentum for the teams in pursuit of their respective ambitions.
The clash between Seagulls and DiRoma in the main match on Sunday at 3.30pm has become one of the Premier League’s fiercest and most entertaining derbies.
The Parkside/CC Lloyd derby is a clash that always live up to expectations as a bucket full of goals are always guaranteed in this fixture.
Having surprisingly drawn their first two league fixtures Seagulls come into this game after a morale-boosting win last weekend, and it now appears as if the Sheldon Marrilier revolution is starting to take shape. The central midfield pairing of Theophilus Mejane and Joenien Freeks has been ruthlessly efficient in their 3-0 win against Parkside United, and this partnership, together with the attacking trio of Cuan Benny, Sheldon Stevens and Keenan Francis will be key if Seagulls have the premier league championship prize on their wishlist come end of season.
DiRoma coach, Antaroz Gamiet has problems to address after a horrendous showing against Brothers of Peace last weekend.
His defence was ripped apart by an energetic BoP unit and the overdependence on talisman Angel Snyman and Mawetu Williams for goals is beginning to show. They would need a more collective performance to have a chance of beating this Seagulls side. Premier League pacesetters Swaraj and Riverside cross swords at 2pm.
Riverside were the kings in the 2015 and 2017 Premier League era, and Swaraj dominated the Championship in 2016. The way things are going at the moment, life seems too easy for Gerome Kroutz and his rampaging Swaraj side. They are brushing aside teams with ease. A fixture against old foes Riverside, fondly known as the blue train would, however, prove to be a stern test for Kroutz’s men.
Reiner Frazers’ Riverside will, however, need all their fighting qualities to overcome the “most complete team in the league”.
Feisty games have been played out between these two clubs in recent years, including the highly intense goalless 2016 league decider, which will live long in the memory.
Defending premier league champions Star of India appear to have turned the corner after a slow start to the season. Victory against Riverside last weekend has elevated them into second place.
After strong early season performances Parkside United were brought crashing down to earth last weekend. Finding the right defensive combination that has already conceded six goals in three appearances is the imposing challenge facing Ayanda Zamxaka and his management team.
These are two teams that have pacy attacking units that are bound to thrill their fans when they battle it out at 12.30pm. This fixture has always remained one of the most watchable for the neutrals.
Premier League newcomers Imonti Christian Centre and Leeds United clash in the early fixture at 11am.
Both sides have had contrasting fortunes. Fort Hare-based Imonti Christian Centre have received plenty of deserved plaudits in their first season in the top- flight. Two consecutive victories has seen them rise to a creditable third place on the log.
Leeds United pulled off a sensational draw against Seagulls in their first league encounter, but two consecutive defeats followed, which has seen them drop down to 11th place.
On Saturday, basement dwellers Napoli square off against a revitalised Atlantic Spurs at 3pm, and Brothers of Peace and Prides lock horns at 4.30pm.
Riverside were kings in 2015 and 2017 Premier era