THIS weekend’s round of Absa Premiership matches could blow the title race wide open.
What has been a fou-horse race for the title in recent weeks, could see more contenders join in the fray in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons.
With leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and second-placed Orlando Pirates away on Caf Champions League duty this weekend, the teams behind them have a chance to gain some ground.
Downs, however, will retain top spot regardless of the results as Bucs are currently the only team that can topple them.
Outside contenders SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs will have the opportunity to outline their respective title credentials when they lock horns in tonight’s headline fixture at Mbombela Stadium (8pm).
Kaitano Tembo’s charges head to the match in confident mood having only lost once in their last six games – winning the other five.
But they will be without inspirational captain Dean Furman, who is suspended for one game having picked up his fourth caution.
Tembo, however, is confident that they will still cause problems for Amakhosi.
“You don’t want to lose someone like Dean when you are playing against Chiefs,” said Tembo.
“We know that with Chiefs game, players don’t really need motivation, so we look forward to it.”
Amakhosi will also be hoping to make strides of their own with victory over Matsatsantsa, by two or more goals, set to move them to fourth on the standings.
That would undoubtedly leave the Glamour Boys feeling far more confident of winning their first league title in five years.
This Super Friday will also see Bidvest Wits travel to the Dr Molemela Stadium to face Bloemfontein Celtic as they look to return to the top.
A win against Siwelele will move The Students above Bucs to second – just two points behind Sundowns. However, awaiting them in the Free State capital is a Phunya Sele Sele outfit that has denied both Downs and Pirates three points in their last two games.
Cape Town City will also be hoping to pounce on a chance to climb to second on the log with three points against Polokwane City at Cape Town Stadium.
The Citizens are having a stellar season and coach Benni McCarthy hopes to cap it off with the ultimate prize.
All the games kick-off at 8pm.
