The 2024-25 Betway Premiership football season is reaching its climax as clubs strive to finish the year strong, with several high-stakes matches on the horizon. This weekend, Cape Town City will face AmaZulu at the DHL Stadium, aiming to improve their league standings, meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs are set to host Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium, hoping to rectify their recent inconsistent performances.
Cape Town City, after securing a 1-0 victory against Chippa United, is currently placed 10th but sees this clash as an opportunity to breakthrough the top eight. Under the guidance of coach Eric Tinkler, the team has experienced mixed results recently, with two wins from their last five league matches. Tinkler's men are eager to capitalize on the momentum from their last match as they face AmaZulu, who themselves are grappling with their confidence after conceding late against Mamelodi Sundowns.
AmaZulu's co-coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi has expressed concerns over their attacking capabilities, stating, “Obviously, it is a worrying factor… we are still looking for a striker because even in our next game Ighodaro will be available but we can’t rely on one person.” This statement reflects the team's struggle as they have netted only two goals across their past three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, the matchup between Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United promises to be just as tense. Both teams are on shaky footing, currently holding 8th and 9th positions on the league table. Chiefs are hoping to shake off the disappointing feeling from their draw against another rival. With the kick-off scheduled for 17:45, fans and analysts alike are watching closely.
Chiefs' young stars Mduduzi Shabalala and Yusuf Maart are nearing suspensions after accumulating three yellow cards each. Despite the warning signs, both players have been instrumental, contributing goals and assists to their squad’s efforts this season. With Shabalala already marking three goals this campaign, his performance will be key as the team prepares for their match.
Orlando Pirates also look forward to their encounter with newly promoted Magesi, currently languishing at the bottom of the table. Pirates are riding high after recently securing a record-breaking 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants. With striker Evidence Makgopa potentially returning from injury, the Buccaneers aim to continue their positive form, chasing Mamelodi Sundowns for the top spot. Coach Papi Zothwane, stepping up after the recent coaching change, will have his players motivated to maintain pressure at the upper echelons of the league.
The game between Pirates and Magesi signifies growth and the potential clash between established teams and those newly introduced to the dynamics of top-tier football. Pirates will look to capitalize on Magesi’s weak form, which has seen the team only earn six points throughout their campaign, including two from recent draws. For the Magesi squad, securing points against seasoned opponents is imperative for their survival and growth.
Towards the end of the festive period, the 2024-25 PSL season has already shown signs of being historically low for hat-tricks, with Tshegofatso Mabasa’s recent three-goal performance being one of the few highlights. Mabasa is worth watching closely, as he becomes the first to achieve this feat this season during the sizable win over Gallants. The previous season had seen only three hat-tricks scored; this reality makes Mabasa's achievement even more significant. Hat-tricks used to be more commonplace, with some seasons featuring as many as 15 across the league.
Overall, the final matches of the year are set to create pivotal moments for several teams. The atmosphere is electric as rivalries ignite, young players showcase their skills, and coaches strategize all to clinch precious points and end the year positively.
These upcoming matches not only impact the league standings but also shape the narratives and growth of teams and players as they transition to the 2025 season. This competitive spirit keeps fans engaged as they anticipate who will claim victory and who may falter at this late stage of the season.