The ABSA Premiership gets back into full swing this weekend following the international break that saw Bafana Bafana raise hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 2-1 victory over Senegal last week.
The action now returns to the bread and butter of the league, where the clash between holders Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday is the pick of the fixtures.
But there are other intriguing matches taking place as well, starting at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Star’s Sports Editor Matshelane Mamabolo looks at them.
Saturday:
Orlando Pirates v Free State Stars
@Orlando Stadium, 6pm; SS4
Though these teams are winless in their last five league matches, they have both reached the Telkom Knockout semi-finals and will not be lacking in confidence. Augusto Palacios will be keen to show club boss Irvin Khoza was right in putting him in charge after Muhsin Ertugral’s departure by leading the team to success.
Last Season: Pirates 1, FS Stars 0
Last five matches (in the league)
Pirates - LDDDD
FS Stars - DDDLD
Prediction: Pirates 1, FS Stars 0
Baroka FC v SuperSport United
@ New Peter Mokaba Stadium, 3.30pm
Bakgaga wouldn’t have forgotten their loss to SuperSport in last season’s Nedbank Cup and they will want nothing more than to send Matsatsantsa back to Pretoria empty-handed. But SuperSport are on an impressive winning run and it is hard to see tem losing to the rookies.
Last Season: Did Not Play
Last five matches
Baroka - DDWLW
SuperSport - WWWDD
Prediction: Baroka 1, SuperSport 2
Platinum Stars v Bidvest Wits
@ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, SABC 1, 8.15pm
Early as it may be, this is fast beginning to look like the season in which Gavin Hunt finally delivers the league title for the Clever Boys. Top of the table and unbeaten in their last five matches, they should add three more points to their kitty tomorrow.
Last Season: Stars 0, Wits 4
Last five matches
Stars - WDLLD
Wits - WWWWD
Prediction: Stars 0, Wits 2
Sunday
Bloemfontein Celtic v Polokwane City
@ Dr Molemela Stadium, 3.30pm, SABC 1
Celtic are going through a pretty rough patch having parted ways with their coach Serame Letsoaka and wins proving a rare commodity for them. They welcome a Polokwane City side that is blowing hot and cold but seemingly under the guidance of a good, albeit temperamental tactician in Luc Eymael. This one has the makings of a stalemate.
Last Season: Celtic 1, City 1
Last five matches
Celtic - LLDWL
City - LDDLW
Prediction: Celtic 1, City 1
Highlands Park v Golden Arrows
@ Makhulong Stadium, 3.30pm
Abafana Bes’thende have flopped a bit after enjoying a fantastic start to the season and they visit a Highlands side still trying to find their footing under new coach Gordon Igesund. It makes for a fascinating clash that could go either way.
Last Season: DNP
Last five matches
Highlands - DDLDL
Arrows - LDWDW
Prediction: Highlands 2, Arrows 1
The Star