Richard's Bay are the surprise frontrunners in the National First Division (NFD) after two rounds.
The KZN team’s two victories over Cape opposition have netted them six log points.
Bay host derby rivals Royal Eagles tomorrow in one of the three fixtures on the day – Jomo Cosmos entertain TS Sporting while Uthongathi FC host Ubuntu Cape Town.
Eagles have lost two on the trot and prop up the log along with Ubuntu Cape Town FC, who had to rely on goal difference last season to hold on to their second-tier status.
Ubuntu, one of four Western Cape clubs in the NFD, have lost by 1-0 away to Mbombela United and Bay respectively.
Unbeaten Uthongathi’s new head coach Johnny Ferreira will know a thing or two about Ubuntu.
He was one of several coaches of FC Cape Town before the club changed name last season.
As for today’s action, Ajax Cape Town welcome Stellenbosch FC to the Cape Town Stadium (3pm kickoff), while Cape Umoya United, who have drawn both outings to date, are away to Maccabi FC.
For Ajax, it is a second straight derby.
The Parow-based team played out a goalless result with Cape Umoya United (formerly Platinum Stars) last time out.
They began their season with a 2-1 victory over Cosmos.
Stellies have had to play both their fixtures away from the comforts of home and have been able to pick up three points thanks to the 1-0 win over Eagles. But coach Steve Barker’s charges came away empty-handed from their tie at the Bay last weekend, losing 2-1.
Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral’s decision to stay at the club will strengthen the Urban Warriors’ chances of regaining their top-flight status. For that to happen would require Ajax ending the season atop the table to ensure automatic promotion to the elite league.
And if they should finish second of third it would get them into the promotional play-offs.
“Our goal is to win the league outright,” said Ertugral. “But this is a tough, physical and difficult league, faster-paced than the PSL.
“There is less emphasis on the tactical aspects and more focus on finding the quickest routes to the goal via long balls behind the back lines and quicker roads to finish the game.
"Stellies will provide us with a stern test, another derby for us and always difficult affairs."