Telkom Knockout predictions
Telkom Knockout Last 16 Predictions
Friday 3 October 2014
Bidvest Wits vs Moroka Swallows, Bidvest Stadium, 20h00
The Students are playing at home and have a good coach, Gavin Hunt, who has coached Swallows before. They’re high in confidence after recording a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu recently. On the other hand, Swallows have been struggling. They recently relinquished a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Free State Stars.
Prediction: Bidvest Wits
Saturday: 4 October 2014
Platinum Stars vs Chippa United, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, 15h00
Defending champions, Stars, are fifth from the bottom in the Absa Premiership, while rookies, Chippa United, are 7th in the standings. However, the difference between these two sides is 2 points. A tightly contested encounter can be expected, but Chippa who recently beat Orlando Pirates have improved under caretaker coach, Roger Sikhakhane.
Prediction: Chippa United
SuperSport United vs Free State Stars, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 15h00
Supersport players have easily adapted to coach Gordon Igesund’s tactics. They’ve scored 3 goals in each of the first 2 games since he took over. Matsatsatsa are also a team for big occasions and always want to challenge for honours. Free State Stars showed a never say die attitude against Moroka Swallows by turning around a 2-0 scoreline to win 3-2. They’re 6th on the log which shows they’ve been consistent.
Prediction: Supersport United
Mamelodi Sundowns vs University of Pretoria, Loftus Stadium, 17h30
This is a Pretoria derby and both teams will be firing on all cylinders. Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping to give their fans something to cheer about after crashing out of the first round of the MTN 8. AmaTuks haven’t been very convincing since the season started.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United, FNB Stadium, 20h00
Kaizer Chiefs are a force to be reckoned with. Having won the MTN8 without conceding a single goal and having conceded only 2 in the league is a strong message to every opponent that they mean business. Chiefs have won all their opening 7 Absa Premiership games, including their recent meeting with The Team of Choice. United could also not unlock the tight Amakhosi defence, but both teams matched each other pound for pound and only a penalty separated them. Master tactician, Steve Komphela, will be looking to engineer a plan that will cause many upsets but it’s not going to be easy. This game might be decided on penalties.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs
Sunday: 5 October 2014
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City, Orlando Stadium, 15h00
Pirates have suffered successive defeats, including the MTN 8 final. There’s no better chance of redemption than showing clear intentions of winning the Telkom Knockout. City have managed to defend well against The Buccaneers and catch them on the counter, but this time around it’s going to be difficult.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates
Ajax Cape Town vs Black Aces, Cape Town Stadium, 15h00
Ajax are second in the Absa Premiership standings, but their only defeat in the league so far was at the hands of Mpumalanga Black Aces. Revenge and redemption is what The Urban Warriors will be seeking for. They’re favorites heading towards this encounter, while Clive Barker’s charges are absolutely under no pressure. Aces have experienced players.
Prediction: Mpumalanga Black Aces
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
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