By Michael Madyira
Some edge-of-the-seat action is expected on Saturday when the 2022/23 Premier Soccer League campaign enters its last but one round of fixtures.
All matches will kick off simultaneously at 15h00 South African Standard Time.
Second-placed Orlando Pirates host tricky Nedbank Cup finalists Sekhukhune United in what could be a thrilling showdown at Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers are bidding to return to the CAF Champions League next season and are two points clear of their nearest challengers SuperSport United who are third on the table.
They are, so far, in control of their destiny as they seek to finish the season as runners-up to champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
It is a Saturday SuperSport will take their battle against Kaizer Chiefs out of Gauteng to Royal Bafokeng Stadium for what promises to be a spectacular confrontation.
Having been blowing hot and cold in recent games, Chiefs know they will remain fourth on the standings even if they beat Matsatsantsa.
The Tshwane side has four points more than Amakhosi whose chances of a top-two finish are now very slim.
Chiefs midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe confirms they have readjusted their target to a third-place finish which comes with CAF Confederation Cup football
“I think we need to keep focus because anything can happen,” said Sithebe.
“It’s still possible to get third position and, as players, it is important to have that motivation and our mindset needs to be positive.
“All I can say is we know SuperSport and how they play.
“We can’t lose to Supersport, no matter what and with all our preparation, I think he is more positive that we can win this game.”
Down the table, heart-pounding relegation drama could unfold on Saturday.
Bottom-placed Maritzburg United welcome Stellenbosch who are angry from last weekend’s Nedbank Cup exit.
Defeat for the Team of Choice will leave them on the cusp of demotion.
Fadlu Davids’ men have three points fewer than Chippa United who are on position 15 and 14th-placed Marumo Gallants.
While Maritzburg are pressing to upset Stellenbosch, they will be praying for Chippa to lose in their trip to TS Galaxy who are also not entirely safe from the chop.
TS Galaxy have six points more than basement side Maritzburg and they have the same tally as Richards Bay who have been on a free-fall.
The Natal Rich Boyz travel to fifth-placed Cape Town City who are pushing to knock Chiefs off position four.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielders Siyethemba Sithebe and Yusuf Maart, SuperSport defender Kegan Johannes
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
