Only goal difference separates the top four teams in Safa Cape Town’s Third Division after two rounds, with Cape Town City (pictured), D6 Mitchells Plain, Rygersdal FC and Young Pirates all boasting maximum points.
Although it remains early days, all four have laid down an early marker in the race for honours in the fiercely competitive Graveyard League.
However, writing off the chasing pack at this stage would be a mistake. Experienced campaigners like Greenwood Athletic possess both the pedigree and depth to mount a serious challenge, while Premier United’s proven track record suggests they will also have a significant say in the title race as the season unfolds.
If the opening fortnight is anything to go by, the Graveyard League promises another fiercely contested battle with little separating the frontrunners.
Friday,
Rising Stars vs Cape Town City (19:30)
A stern examination awaits Rising Stars as they lock horns with log leaders Cape Town City, who have made a strong start to the campaign. While the hosts will be buoyed by home-ground advantage, City’s experience, quality and attacking firepower could prove decisive. Prediction: Cape Town City win 3-1.
Premier United vs Cape Town Spurs (19:30)
Premier United will enter this clash as clear favourites against a youthful Cape Town Spurs outfit still searching for their first points of the season. Spurs’ early struggles are reflected in a goal difference of -4, while Premier possess the know-how and physicality which will be too much to handle for Spurs. Prediction: Premier win 2-0.
Junction Rovers vs D6 Mitchells Plain FC (19:30)
Head coach Keith America’s Junction Rovers face a daunting task against one of the division’s early surprise packages. If the hosts are to have any chance, they will need to avoid conceding the soft goals that have plagued them in recent outings. D6 Mitchells Plain appear to have too much quality and momentum in their ranks. Prediction: D6 Mitchells Plain FC win 3-1.
Greenwood Athletic vs JL Zwane FC (19:30)
Coach Goodwin Lewis’ Greenwood Athletic will be eager to make home advantage count against an unpredictable JL Zwane side. While the visitors are capable of troubling any defence on their day, their inconsistency on the road could ultimately swing the contest in Greenwood’s favour. Prediction: Greenwood Athletic win 2-1.
Rygersdal FC vs Young Pirates FC (20:00)
Friday night’s headline fixture pits two unbeaten title contenders against each other in what could be an early statement match. Adding further intrigue is the tactical duel between the youthful Curtley Daniels and the vastly experienced Roger “Mr Big” Fortune. With both teams enjoying good form and carrying genuine title ambitions, expect a fiercely contested encounter. Prediction: 2-2 draw.
Saturday, 14 November
Silver Spurs FC vs Wynberg St Johns (13:00)
An intriguing subplot accompanies this encounter as protégé Sardick Barends comes up against mentor Chrissando De Weber. Both sides will view this as an opportunity to gain valuable ground, but neither may be willing to overcommit. Prediction: 1-1 draw.
Vasco da Gama vs Ashford Athletic (15:00)
Vasco da Gama will see this as an ideal opportunity to finally get points on the board, particularly on home soil at Parow Park. Ashford Athletic, however, have already shown they can be difficult opponents and arrive with confidence following their recent victory. This one has all the ingredients of a closely fought affair. Prediction: 1-1 draw.
Trinitarians FC vs Wanderers FC (15:00)
Still searching for their first points of the season, Trinitarians will view this fixture as a chance to kick-start their campaign. Wanderers are unlikely to make things easy, but home advantage could prove the difference. Prediction: Trinitarians FC win 2-1.
Jomo’s Power AFC vs Everton United FC (15:30)
The final fixture of the round could produce plenty of fireworks. Everton United face what is arguably their toughest test of the season thus far against a determined Jomo’s Power side. Backed by home support and carrying plenty of confidence, the Atlantis outfit may just edge a tightly contested battle. Prediction: Jomo’s Power AFC win 2-1.
