Former Golden Arrows goalkeeper, Thulasizwe Khuzwayo gives his predictions on the last matchday of the Absa Premiership
Match of the Week
Baroka FC v Maritzburg United (Premier Soccer League)
Soccer 6 Pool: Match 5 Soccer 6 Pool 11 May S6 V3 P2
League Rankings: Baroka FC 12th Maritzburg United 16th
Useful facts: Not all sets of eyeballs will be fixed on the situation at the top of the standings, as it will all be happening at the bottom. And what a game this promises to be, especially looking at the fact that it's just two points that separate the two teams. A win would be massive for Maritzburg United, as it would mean they avoid straight relegation and even the play-offs. That shows just how important their weekend victory over SuperSport United was in the bigger scheme of things. However, all that will not be lost on Baroka FC, who have home advantage and will want to use it to good effect. After registering a key victory over AmaZulu two weekends ago, they could not follow that up with another one when they faced Bidvest Wits, as they fell to a 3-1 loss. It's hard to tell who has the most pressure, as both teams desperately need a win to avoid having to rely on other games for safety. It's a game of their lives in every sense, as no one wants to go down to the National First Division, an environment that changes players' lives, albeit not for the best. Based on form, Eric Tinkler's charges may be favourites for a victory, and Judas Moseamedi will look to continue from where he left off against Matsatsantsa a Pitori, but don't write off Baroka FC, who are capable of rising to the occasion, just like they did in the Telkom Knockout final against Orlando Pirates.
Thulasizwe Khuzwayo: Maritzburg United win
Black Leopards v Cape Town City (Premier Soccer League)
Soccer 6 Pool: Match 1 Soccer 6 Pool 11 May S6 V3 P2
League Rankings: Black Leopards 15th Cape Town City 4th
Useful facts: Benni McCarthy threw a grenade in the direction of Orlando Pirates last Saturday, piling misery on the team he once played for, and will be looking to do the same as his side, Cape Town City, prepares to face Black Leopards. However, they will be faced with a hostile crowd up in Thohoyandou, with Lidoda Duvha out to avoid relegation in their first season back in the topflight. It may turn out to be one of the toughest games the Citizens have played this season. Mwape Musonda will want to increase his tally for the season, although he's pretty much guaranteed to finish as the league's Golden Boot winner. But personal glory will make way for teamwork come Saturday afternoon and both sets of players will leave everything on the field, as the visitors are also out to finish as high up on the league table as possible. Desperation on the part of Dylan Kerr's charges could play into the hands of City, who could then apply a counter-attacking game in order to hurt the home side. Anything less than a victory for Leopards could spell disaster for the Limpopo side.
Thulasizwe Khuzwayo: Cape Town City win
Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City (Premier Soccer League)
Soccer 6 Pool: Match 2 Soccer 6 Pool 11 May S6 V3 P2
League Rankings: Orlando Pirates 1st Polokwane City 5th
Useful facts: Needless to say, Orlando Pirates did themselves no favours with last weekend's 2-2 draw against Cape Town City and now need to win at all costs and hope that Mamelodi Sundowns, still to play Golden Arrows at the time of writing, slip up on the last day of the season. With Downs away to Free State Stars, they will be hoping home ground advantage counts massively in their favour, although Pitso Mosimane's men are capable of notching up a victory wherever they play – such is their star quality. Polokwane City are not sitting in fifth position by fluke and if Bucs are thinking of underestimating them, they better think again. Mohammed Anas has been scoring goals for Rise and Shine and he will be a man to watch. Pirates are expected to go all-out in attack, and the visitors will give as much as they get, as they have done countless times this season. This promises to be an entertaining match, regardless of whether Milutin Sredojevic's side manages to win the league title or not.
Thulasizwe Khuzwayo: Orlando Pirates win
Check out the betting pools here
