Relegation fight goes down to the wire

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 14: Rudi Charls Isaacs of Moroka Swallows and Collins Mbesuma of Black Aces during the Absa Premiership match between Black Aces and Moroka Swallows at Mbombela Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 14: Rudi Charls Isaacs of Moroka Swallows and Collins Mbesuma of Black Aces during the Absa Premiership match between Black Aces and Moroka Swallows at Mbombela Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

Published May 7, 2015

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Johannesburg - The fight to avoid automatic relegation will be the main focus when the final round of Premiership fixtures kick off at 3pm on Saturday.

The team who finishes last (16th) at the end of the season is automatically relegated with the National First Division (NFD) champions (Golden Arrows) promoted.

The two teams who finish 14th and 15th in the Premiership will then have to battle it out with the NFD’s second and third placed teams in the relegation/promotion playoffs to decide which two teams will play in the top-tier South African league next season.

Current favourites for automatic relegation are Moroka Swallows who occupy last spot on the table with 27 points. AmaZulu are on the same number of points, but six ahead of The Birds on goal difference in 15th place.

Swallows come up against Bloem Celtic at Dobsonville Stadium with their future in the league on the line. AmaZulu are also at home to Maritzburg United at Moses Mabhida Stadium in their last attempt to avoid the chop.

Chippa United are better off in 14th place with 30 points, but only a win in their game against champions Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium could take their side out of the relegations playoffs – also depending on other results. If Chippa lose or draw, they will be condemned to the relegation playoffs. But if Chippa wins, it would bring the University of Pretoria into the equation. Tuks are on 32 points and face Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium. If Tuks lose and Chippa wins, the Eastern Cape side could sneak ahead into 13th place. A draw, however, would be enough for Tuks to stay in the Premiership as their goal difference is nine better than Chippa.

The race for second and third spots in the NFD is tight, with Jomo Cosmos, Black Leopards, Thanda Royal Zulu and Cape All Stars all in with a chance.

ANA

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