Relegation six-pointer opens the weekend Betway Premiership action

A relegation six-pointer between Richards Bay and Cape Town City opens another truncated weekend of action in the Betway Premiership.

With the trio of Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates all in CAF club semifinal action, just five matches will be played in South Africa’s top flight.

The key clash arrives on Friday evening when Richards Bay and Cape Town City meet at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Both teams are just one point above the relegation playoff zone – currently occupied by SuperSport United – and this clash represents a chance to both put some daylight between themselves and the red zone, as well as take points off a direct rival.

“This team is too good for the playoffs,” said City chairman John Comitis. “We've got four games remaining, and we're going to go out and show we're supposed to be in the PSL.”

Saturday brings a trio of games, with Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows meeting at the Dr Molemela Stadium; Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City will have their derby clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium; and Chippa United will host Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Amakhosi are on a high following their stunning 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinals last weekend, but would do well not to underestimate a Chilli Boys team which is unbeaten in three league outings.

Chippa are just one position and one point behind eighth-placed Chiefs (with two games in hand) and have the ambition of finishing in the top half of the log.

“I believe in my players, it's my job to make them better, so yeah,” said Chilli Boys coach Thabo September.

“I think we have the squad, we just need to work harder, us as well as coaches, invest in education and help the players to grow, but we've got good talent.”

Sunday’s lone game comes from the Seshego Stadium, as Magesi FC play host to TS Galaxy. Dikwena tsa Meetse will be looking to keep the excellent form which has seen them win four of their last five league matches, while the Rockets are looking to avoid a hat-trick of winless games.

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP WEEKEND FIXTURES

Times CAT

Friday 18 April

7:30pm: Richards Bay v Cape Town City

Saturday 19 April

3pm: Marumo Gallants v Golden Arrows

5:30pm: Chippa United v Kaizer Chiefs

5:30pm: Sekhukhune United v Polokwane City

Sunday 20 April

3pm: Magesi FC v TS Galaxy