Explosive action in NFD

There are at least three matches which should provide fireworks this weekend.

Former Absa Premiership sides Black Leopards and Highlands Park battle it out in Thohoyandou while Mbombela United and Witbank Spurs are involved in the Mpumalanga derby.

A top of the table clash seals the weekend on Sunday as Stellenbosch host University of Pretoria in Cape Town.

Black Leopards v Highlands Park, at Thohoyandou Stadium, 3.30pm
It is a battle of giants. This may be the best way to describe this battle between two former Absa Premiership teams. Both have been on a steady rise lately and this match should be explosive.

Mbombela United v Witbank Spurs, at Kanyamazane Stadium, 3.30pm
Tingwenyama will be looking to jump to the top of the log win a win over provincial neighbours but this match always proves to be difficult for both. Siyavutha have picked up some form over the past few weeks but yet to find consistency.

Royal Eagles v CT All Stars, at Harry Gwala Stadium, 3.30pm
Both will be looking to bounce back after defeats last weekend. Igugu leKapa have won one and lost one under new mentor Vladislav Heric. Eagles have been in good form since Zipho Dlangalala took over and tasted their first defeat last week.

Sunday
Real Kings v Mthatha Bucks, at King Zwelithini Stadium, 3.30pm
The Magic Boys will be looking to wand their magic and keep all three points in this difficult fixture against Amathol’amnyama who are high on confidence after beating Cape Town All Stars last weekend.

Super Eagles v Jomo Cosmos, at Goble Park Stadium, 3.30pm
Cosmos’s poor record away gives hope for Eagles who come from a defeat and looking to make amends at home. Ezenkosi scored a convincing win over Real Kings last weekend while Eagles got a beating at Highlands Park.

Uthongathi v Tshakuma, at Princess Magogo Stadium, 3.30pm
Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila coach Sello Chokoe told Phakaaathi earlier in the week that they are going to KwaZulu-Natal for a three point haul. He said his team want to do what Mbombela almost did two years ago by spending just one season in the NFD and go on to the elite league.

Stellenbosch v University of Pretoria, at Athlone Stadium, 3.30pm
The winner of this one goes top and this should be the match of the weekend. Both go into this match coming off defeats and will be looking to make amends. It should be an entertaining match with coaches Steve Barker and Shaun Bartlett known for their tactical prowess having promoted sides to the Premiership previously.