Relegation wars still raging
It’s the final act of the 2017-18 PSL season this Saturday and second-from-bottom Ajax must beat Chiefs to have a chance of avoiding avoid the promotionrelegation playoffs
Saturday’s afternoon last round of leagues fixtures for the season will settle the Premier Soccer League standings and determine the top-eight finishers, but more importantly decide which side gets embroiled in the post-season promotion-relegation play-offs.
The league crown is decided, as is the runners-up berth that also offers a chance to participate in next season’s African Champions League.
At the bottom, Platinum Stars are confirmed in last place and automatically relegated, but who finishes just above them will be the main item on the menu as the curtain comes down on a season of marked inconsistency where a myriad of top clubs have had a topsy-turvy campaign.
None more so than Ajax Cape Town, who are fighting for their lives against Kaizer Chiefs at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday and must win to have any hope of avoiding the drop.
They sit in 15th spot, two points below Polokwane City and SuperSport United and three behind Baroka FC, who Ajax could all usurp.
Baroka need only draw to be safe but are away at SuperSport United, who will need to win to ensure they do not put themselves in peril.
Polokwane City will also need to beat Chippa to see off being overtaken, making for a thrilling finale to the season.
TAB soccer pool players might feel Ajax’s state of desperation allied with home advantage, gives them the necessary ingredients to pull off the victory, also given that Chiefs have nothing to play for and are in state of flux since the resignation of coach Steve Komphela.
But it is also worth considering that Ajax’s youngsters have looked a side devoid of any self-belief throughout the season and the pressure of the demands of the occasion could weight too heavily. This is a game that could end in a stalemate that benefits neither side.
England’s Premier League relegation battle continues tonight as Swansea host Southampton in a must-win game for both.
Swansea have not won in their last eight outings and Mark Hughes’ team have had a single victory in their previous seven.
A draw between the pair will condemn West Bromwich Albion to the Championship.
The English, Italian and Spanish seasons end on Sunday and the Bundesliga the day before, but the French league will only be concluded on Saturday 19 May.