Cape Town – Big guns Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will both be desperate for first wins of the Absa Premiership season this week when the action returns after the recent cup break.
The two Gauteng giants were both held to goalless draws on the opening weekend of action – defending champions Amakhosi frustrated by Chippa United and the Brazilians blanked out by Platinum Stars.
Seven other clubs will be searching for first victories, while Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax Cape Town, University of Pretoria and Free State Stars are searching for their first points of the campaign.
Arguably the pick of the action takes place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon when Sundowns entertain a new-look Bidvest Wits.
The Students claimed one of the more impressive wins of the opening round when they bagged a 2-1 win over Ajax.
On Saturday night, attention will shift to Soweto where Chiefs welcome Free State Stars to the FNB Stadium.
It is a meeting that pips coach Steve Komphela against one of his former clubs, who he spearheaded so well between 2010 and 2013.
The Amakhosi boss is expecting a tough battle in what will be their first home game of the campaign.
“It’s going to be difficult match,” he said. “We know everyone we come across always brings their A-plus game. It’s part of Kaizer Chiefs.
“We are conceding goals that are totally uncharacteristic of this club. Offensively as well we do create chances but are not clinical, but I am optimistic that things will be okay.”
Also on Saturday, Tuks will be looking to bounce back from their opening day loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows when they entertain Polokwane City, one of only six teams with wins so far, at Tuks Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Black Aces, who are amongst the six, welcome another team that started with three points, SuperSport United, to the Mbombela Stadium.
Matsatsantsa announced the big arrival of recent Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman this week and it is likely he could make his debut in Nelspruit.
Finally on Saturday, the Urban Warriors will be searching for their first three points against a team that drew their first match of the campaign, Maritzburg United at Cape Town Stadium.
There are two further matches on Sunday afternoon. The pick of those clashes is one between the two promoted clubs as Jomo Cosmos host Arrows at Olen Park in Potchefstroom.
The two teams were battling it out in the National First Division (NFD) last season with Abafana Bes’thende claiming the ultimate honour by winning automatic promotion.
Cosmos, who won their PSL ticket through the play-offs, have never beaten Arrows in the league.
The last match of the round sees Bloemfontein Celtic welcome Platinum Stars to the Free State Stadium.
Orlando Pirates are not in action this week due to their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup, meaning Chippa United are also spectators. – African News Agency (ANA)