Top two square up for Sunday thriller
GUARANTEED R26-MILLION SOCCER 13 WILL PAY MEGA BUCKS
The build-up towards the clash has been growing over recent weeks and anticipation is now at fever pitch ahead of Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final in which Stellenbosch host Mamelodi Sundowns.
It is a meeting between the two form sides in South African football and also the two teams at the top of the standings. Plus their previous clashes have produced high levels of drama.
Stellenbosch go into the game on the back of a remarkable 25-match unbeaten run that stretches back to last September, when Sundowns beat them 3-1 in Pretoria. They have not lost since and sit comfortably in second place in the DStv Premiership.
Of course, Sundowns cannot be caught at the top and on Monday equalled Kaizer Chiefs’ 1991 mark of 23 unbeaten matches from the start of the season.
But last season one of their few setbacks came at the feet of Steve Barker’s side, who beat them 3-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium in April last year in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
After more than a year of domestic invincibility, this Sunday could be the day Sundowns’ dominance is given its severest test.
Tomorrow’s first semi-final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium sees visitors Orlando Pirates start overwhelming favourites against Chippa United, who have lost their last two games against AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows after leading in both.
Pirates, by contrast, have looked slick with good ball retention and circulation, effective midfield pressing, accurate passing and proficient finishing. They are much improved in recent months under Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who has taken a long time to get them to play to their proper potential.
Pirates are the Nedbank Cup holders after edging out Sekhukhune United in last year’s final.
Sekhukhune play a catch-up league fixture tonight against TS Galaxy in Polokwane with both chasing fourth place in the league.
It could yet be a slot that guarantees a place in African club competition next season, depending on what happens in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Sekhukhune are a single point up on Galaxy and with home advantage will be fancied to extend their advantage, given how poor Galaxy have been on the road this campaign.
The battle for the English Premier League title between Arsenal and Manchester City continues tomorrow with both at home and expected to win.
And in the promotion race in the English Championship, Ipswich Town need only draw at home to already-relegated Huddersfield Town to finish second to title winners Leicester and make their return to the Premier League after 22 years outside the top flight.
The Manchester CityWolves clash is included in the day’s guaranteed R26-million Soccer 13 pool, which comprises a challenging mix of games from different leagues and could pay millions!
It will take luck to win, but you can have a go for as little as R2 and you never do know when it’s going to be your lucky day!