Saturday Sep 05, 2020. 12:00
The neck-and-neck race for the title will headline a frenzy of action this afternoon when South Africa’s 2019-20 Absa Premiership season wraps up, with eight matches kicking off simultaneously at 15:30 CAT.
The title race will go right down to the wire, with log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns level on points ahead of facing Baroka FC and Black Leopards respectively.
The Amakhosi (who have the superior goal difference) need only match the result of the Brazilians to claim a first championship since 2015, but as both are facing clubs fighting for their lives – Baroka are in the relegation playoff berth, while Leopards are just one point clear) – the three points on offer in each will be hard fought indeed.
“It’s about points now. It’s about winning. I’m fully aware about that. It’s what presents Kaizer Chiefs there’s no doubt about it,” said Amakhosi manager Ernst Middendorp.
He added: “I’m very happy with the entire team, technical team and players that we have on what they have gone through and successfully. It was a win with a lot of fighting spirit and that’s something we needed [in Wednesday’s win over Chippa United] and need on Saturday.”
Polokwane are all but relegated (they are bottom and have a significantly inferior goal difference to Baroka, who are three points clear) but the playoff spot held by Bakgaga could still be passed to Leopards, AmaZulu (who are at home to Highlands Park) or even Chippa United (home to Golden Arrows).
Elsewhere, SuperSport United are well placed to finish third and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup, but face a threat from both Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates in this regard, while Cape Town City, Highlands, Bloemfontein Celtic and Stellenbosch are scrapping for two berths up for grabs in the top eight.
Absa Premiership fixtures, 5 September 2020
All matches kick-off at 15:30 CAT
Mamelodi Sundowns v Black Leopards
Chippa United v Golden Arrows
AmaZulu v Highlands Park
Baroka FC v Kaizer Chiefs
Bloemfontein Celtic v Maritzburg United
Bidvest Wits v Polokwane City
Orlando Pirates v Stellenbosch
Cape Town City v SuperSport United
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