Durban derby and SuperSport relegation battle take centre stage

A truncated weekend of Betway Premiership action sees the Durban derby and SuperSport United’s battle against the threat of relegation take centre stage.

Durban rivals Golden Arrows and AmaZulu FC will meet at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale in one of three afternoon matches on Saturday 26 April, with the visiting Usuthu looking to snap a poor run of four defeats from their last five league outings.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane was left frustrated by his side’s 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC last time out, arguing that his team should have made more of their chances.

“You're playing against Stellenbosch that are thinking about playing in the [CAF Confederation Cup] semifinal. Because they want to go all the way to the final, which is good for the country.”

Zwane added, “Apply more pressure on them! They will panic. And they did actually, but we did not capitalise.”

At the same time on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs will look to end a five-game winless run in the Premiership when they host Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium, and SuperSport United face a crunch clash away to Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Matsatsantsa find themselves occupying the relegation playoff spot and are winless in their last six completed matches across all competitions.

“We have to stay as far away as possible from panic. We have to keep doing the things we’re doing,” said SuperSport caretaker coach Andre Arendse, who will be hoping his team can take advantage of City being in a slump: Rise and Shine have managed just one win in their last 10 Premiership matches.

Sunday’s lone match comes from the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, as TS Galaxy host Sekhukhune United.

This is a key clash in the battle for third place behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with Babina Noko having the chance to open a five-point lead over Stellenbosch FC if they can hand the Rockets a third loss in the space of four games.

“We want that No 3 spot to try and get into [the] CAF [Confederation Cup], you know that’s been the objective,” said Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler.

Betway Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 26 April

15:00: Kaizer Chiefs v Marumo Gallants

15:00: Polokwane City v SuperSport United

15:00: Golden Arrows v AmaZulu FC

Sunday 27 April

15:30: TS Galaxy v Sekhukhune United