Joseph Molangoane

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 15: Joseph Molangoane of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars at FNB Stadium on April 15, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

A detailed look at the Absa Premiership title race that lies ahead

Will a refreshed Kaizer Chiefs come back stronger to finish what they started…

Joseph Molangoane

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 15: Joseph Molangoane of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars at FNB Stadium on April 15, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

With the Absa Premiership set to soon return after a 3-month break, we take a detailed look at the race that lies ahead.

Games-in-hand, the top six facing one another and the rush to complete the season in six weeks all sets things up for a dramatic finish.

The run-in

Kaizer Chiefs – 1st place

The Amakhosi have led the way for much of the season. They have their fate in their own hands however their recent form has given all challengers a glimmer of hope of hunting them down. Middendorp’s men have picked up just 13 out of a possible 24 points in 2020.

Games played: 22

Points: 48

Goal difference: 23

Remaining fixtures:

  • Bidvest Wits x2
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Polokwane City
  • Bloemfontein Celtic
  • Stellenbosch FC
  • Chippa United
  • Baroka FC

Mamelodi Sundowns – 2nd place

The defending champions have brought the gap at the top of the table down to just four points. Masandawana also have a game in hand on the Amakhosi and one thing is for sure, they’re not new to the situation they find themselves in.

Games played: 21

Points: 44

Goal difference: 15

Remaining fixtures:

  • Kaizer Chiefs
  • Orlando Pirates
  • Cape Town City
  • Highlands Park
  • Maritzburg United
  • Golden Arrows
  • Baroka
  • Polokwane City
  • Black Leopards

SuperSport United – 3rd place

Matsatsantsa have the challenge of facing teams fighting for survival, they’re eight points behind Kaizer Chiefs however they’ve played two additional games. They’ll be looking to secure as many points as possible while hoping for their cross-town rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and the Amakhosi to slip up.

Games played: 24

Points: 40

Goal difference: +13

Remaining fixtures:

  • Bloem Celtic
  • Polokwane City
  • Black Leopards
  • Orlando Pirates
  • Baroka
  • Cape Town City

Orlando Pirates – 4th place

The Buccaneers have picked up 23 out of a possible 30 points since the arrival of coach Jozef Zinnbauer. Pirates may eventually fall short of the title themselves but will definitely have a huge say in where the title goes considering their remaining fixtures.

Games played: 23

Points: 40

Goal difference: +9

Remaining fixtures:

  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Bidvest Wits
  • Baroka FC
  • Cape Town City
  • SuperSport United
  • Maritzburg United
  • Stellenbosch FC

Maritzburg United – 5th place

The Team of Choice have arguably been the surprise package of the season. Fighting for the title might prove to be a step too far for Eric Tinkler’s men however a top 4 finish may very well be on the agenda.

Games played: 24

Points: 39

Goal Difference: +6

Remaining fixtures:

  • Black Leopards
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Bidvest Wits
  • Highlands Park
  • Orlando Pirates
  • Bloemfontein Celtic

Bidvest Wits – 6th place

Log leaders Kaizer Chiefs have a ten point lead over sixth placed Bidvest Wits however the Clever Boys have a game in hand and are due to face the Amakhosi twice before the end of the campaign thus leaving Wits with the potential of cutting the gap down to a single ppoint. A fairytale end to their 99-year existence?

Games played: 21

Points: 38

Goal difference: +8

Remaining fixtures

  • Kaizer Chiefs x2
  • Golden Arrows
  • Bloemfontein Celtic
  • Orlando Pirates
  • AmaZulu
  • Maritzburg United
  • Black Leopards
  • Polokwane City

Prediction?

While it’s almost impossible to predict, it’s safe to say that whoever goes on to win the title will thoroughly deserve it. Will the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns prevail or will a refreshed Ernst Middendorp’s Kaizer Chiefs come back stronger to finish what they started?