Free State Stars' season so far has been one that Ea Lla Koto will be hoping to change sooner rather than later. Luc Eymael's side has started off on the wrong foot with two league wins from nine matches. This weekend, they will host Bloemfontein Celtic in the Free State derby, which promises to be one for the books as the Steve Komphela-led team have their ducks in a row, despite their off-the-field woes.
In other encounters, Kaizer Chiefs host Polokwane City where the Glamour Boys will be out to continue with their positive run.
This week, Nimrod Tsegane gives his view on the games. What do you think of his choices?
Match of the Week
Free State Stars v Bloemfontein Celtic (Premier Soccer League)
Match 1 Soccer 6 Pool 5 October S6 V2P1
League Rankings: Free State Stars 8th Bloemfontein Celtic 4th
Useful facts: There are a whole lot of sub-plots to this derby. Siwelele are embroiled in off-field controversy with the off-again, on-again sale of the club, but to their credit, Steve Komphela's charges have been 'doing the business' where it matters most, on the field, winning four, drawing one and losing one so far. Bragging rights are up for grabs, especially for Luc Eymael, who left Celtic before the ink could even dry on the paper his contract was written on. Before this game Ea Lla Koto have a trip to Port Elizabeth to face Chippa United on Wednesday, while Celtic are at home to Mamelodi Sundowns, meaning the latter will be the fresher of the two sides and that could be a crucial factor in deciding the game. The last Free State derby, back in April, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Nimrod Tsengwa: Bloemfontein Celtic win
Kaizer Chiefs v Polokwane City (Premier Soccer League)
Match 3 Soccer 6 Pool 5 October S6 V2P1
League Rankings: Kaizer Chiefs 3rd Polokwane City 6th
Useful facts: Amakhosi have registered wins in their last three league fixtures and will be out to continue with their rich vein of form in front of their home fans. Rephrase that: this game will be played behind closed doors, as punishment for the Naturena-based outfit's fans causing mayhem and destroying property at Moses Mabhida Stadium after an unfavourable result against Free State Stars towards the end of last season. It will be interesting to see how Chiefs, arguably the most-supported club in the country, will fare without the crowd cheering them on. Surely Rise and Shine will want to use this to their advantage and this game couldn't have come at a better time for them, as they have started picking up points and moving up the table, following a poor start. The Glamour Boys prevailed with a 2-1 scoreline back in January when the two teams last clashed.
Nimrod Tsengwa: Kaizer Chiefs win
AmaZulu v Orlando Pirates (Premier Soccer League)
Match 5 Soccer 6 Pool 5 October S6 V2P1
League Rankings: AmaZulu 16th Orlando Pirates 1st
Useful facts: It's two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes meeting at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, with Bucs sitting atop the league table while Usuthu are at the basement. However, the troubles of the Durban side stem from a decision taken by FIFA to dock the club six points after a contractual dispute with a former player that dates back to 2014. Cavin Johnson's side will want to atone for this cruel hand of fate by collecting points before the season reaches the halfway mark, thus avoiding the dreaded drop in their first season back in the top-flight. In the Soweto giants, however, they are up against a team that is coming together and will not want to easily let go of their position at the top. The last meeting between the two sides, towards the end of last season, produced a thriller that ended 2-1 in favour of Pirates.
Nimrod Tsengwa: Orlando Pirates win
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