SuperSport United vs Cape Town City – our predictions

Phakaaathi’s Khaya Ndubane and Jonty Mark give their views on who will win on the day.

Why SuperSport will win (Khaya Ndubane, Online Content Manager)

Coach Eric Tinkler has already tasted victory against his former team City albeit through a penalty shootout in the final of the MTN8 in October. It must be noted though, that it was the former Bafana Bafana midfielder’s tactical genius that led to Matsatsantsa’s win on the day. With 10 minutes left before the end of the game and with City leading 1-0, Tinkler introduced Thabo Mnyamane for Reneilwe Letsholonyane and within seconds on the park, Mnyamane grabbed the equaliser for SuperSport. Matsatsantsa then went on to win 4-2 on penalties. Tinkler has shown that he is a shrewd coach and with City blowing hot and cold this season, I’m sure he has analysed them accordingly and will come up with a plan to beat them. SuperSport have only suffered one loss in all competitions at home this season, with that loss coming from neighbours Sundowns in August last year. Matsatsantsa have since went on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions at home after that loss. It will, therefore, take something special for City to beat SuperSport at home and I honestly don’t see that happening today hence I predict a SuperSport win.

Prediction: SuperSport United 2 Cape Town City 0

Why City will win (Jonty Mark, Phakaaathi Editor)

This has, thus far, been a mixed second season in top flight football for Cape Town City, with Benni McCarthy’s side battling to find consistency, though this is actually true of most sides in an odd 2017/18 campaign overall. City got off to a bright start to life under McCarthy, reaching the MTN8 final but they have won only one of their last six league games, with their dramatic second half collapse at home to Maritzburg United in midweek particularly concerning. City will need to bring far more defensive resolve to Tshwane on Saturday, as they seek redemption for the MTN8 final defeat to SuperSport on October 14. McCarthy’s side actually controlled much of that match, only to lose on penalties, and I think they can use that as motivation for today’s encounter. City have only won two away games in the league this season, at Wits in the first round of fixtures, and at Ajax, though that was effectively on their home ground at Cape Town Stadium. But I just fancy them to add a third today. Matsatsantsa are on a good run under Eric Tinkler, unbeaten in seven league games, but I think that will come to an end, with City winning 2-1.

Prediction: SuperSport United 1 Cape Town City 2