PSL title race reaches fever pitch
Ajax Cape Town coasted to a 3-1 win over Golden Arrows at the Newlands Stadium on Friday night in a game in which they always had control. Ajax Cape Town coasted to a 3-1 win over Golden Arrows at the Newlands Stadium on Friday night in a game in which they always had control.
Ajax Cape Town’s demolition of Orlando Pirates on Wednesday has led to a third change at the top of the Absa Premiership this season, but brace yourself for even more drama in the weeks again.
The leadership could swing around the top four teams for the remainder of the season, making this the most intensely fought title race ever.
Pirates had held on to the top spot since January 22, only losing it to Ajax for a day ahead of the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold the record for the longest stay at the top this season – 17 weeks – could reclaim the leadership if they beat Ajax in their next clash on April 6.
Of the top four, only Kaizer Chiefs – who were not in action in midweek and have fallen six points behind Ajax – have not occupied the No1 position this season.
But Amakhosi could claw their way back into the race if they win their next match against BIDVest Wits, and their game-in-hand against SuperSport United on April 13.
Not one of the four title contenders can be said to have an easier run-in, but Ajax will be wary that they have to make trips to Sundowns and Chiefs. Otherwise the Urban Warriors should prevail in their three home fixtures against the KwaZulu Natal trio, Golden Arrows, AmaZulu and Maritzburg United.
Chiefs’ toughest of their remaining six matches should be a trip to Sundowns on May 1, while Pirates’ biggest clash will be away to Santos on May 7.
While the top position has changed hands in the last few weeks, the battle at the other end seems pretty straight forward.
Bottom club Black Aces have now dropped 11 points behind 15th-placed Moroka Swallows, although the Mpumalanga side have a game in hand.
Aces must look to get three points off Free State Stars on Sunday, or they could be relegated before April is over. Their programme next month looks very challenging, as they have to travel to Chiefs as well as face Maritzburg United.
In fact, Aces’ demise could be fast-tracked as early as April 6. If they lose to Stars on Sunday, and to AmaZulu in their next match (April 6), and Swallows beat Pirates on the same day, the Mpumalanga club will have been relegated.
The play-off spot, currently occupied by Swallows, could yet be a hotly-contested one. Vasco da Gama have had a terrible run of late and could be dragged into the relegation mess alongside the Birds and Maritzburg.
That the newcomers have an away trip to Swallows on April 16, will not help their cause.