With six games to go, all four KwaZulu-Natal teams — AmaZulu, Durban City, Golden Arrows, and Richards Bay — are fighting for a spot in the Top 10. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
All four KwaZulu-Natal-based teams competing in the PSL this season remain in contention to finish inside the top 10, with just six matches left to play.
Having 40% of the top ten teams in the league come from one province would be a major confidence boost for KZN football as a whole. With six games remaining, all four KZN clubs have a realistic path to a top-10 finish, but consistency in the closing weeks will be decisive.
Played 24, Won 11, Lost 7, Draw 6, Points 39
Usuthu are currently lead the provincial charge, sitting comfortably in fourth place. With 11 wins from 24 matches, AmaZulu have been the standout KZN side this season and arguably one of the most consistent teams in the league.
Mlondi Mbanjwa came to the rescue in their most recent match against Siwelele, scoring a late equaliser to share the points with the Bloemfontein outfit on their home turf. However, their final stretch is going to be anything but straightforward, with both Pirates and Chiefs on the cards.
UP NEXT: Orlando Pirates (A), Chippa Utd (H), Golden Arrows (H), Orbit College (A), Kaizer Chiefs (H), Durban City (A).
P24 W10 L9 D5 Pts35
Durban City, enjoying an impressive debut season, currently occupy sixth place. With 10 wins from 24 matches, they have exceeded expectations, but recent form is a concern. Back-to-back defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows have slowed their momentum at a critical stage.
Head coach Pitso Dladla has stressed the importance of regrouping and finishing strongly to ensure they do not lose the momentum built throughout the year. Durban will need to quieten their minds and prepare for their next big encounter: the Nedbank Cup final against TS Galaxy.
UP NEXT: Magesi, Orbit College, Siwelele, Pirates, Stellenbosch and AmaZulu.
P24 W9 L11 D4 Pts31
Lamontville Golden Arrows have quietly climbed into eighth position after overcoming early-season jitters. Under the expert guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi, the team have rediscovered their rhythm, although finishing matches strongly remains a concern.
Their recent dominant display against Durban City highlighted their potential, with Junior Dion leading the scoring charts on 12 goals — a remarkable statistic for a side sitting in the lower half of the top 10. Coach Mngqithi has maintained that his side possess more quality than results have shown this season.
UP NEXT: Orbit College, Siwelele, and AmaZulu, Chippa United, Polokwane City and TS Galaxy.
P24 W6 L9 D9 Pts27
Richards Bay complete the KZN quartet, currently sitting in 11th place but still within reach of the top 10. Their recent 2-2 draw against Orlando Pirates showcased their attacking intent, although defensive lapses and goalkeeping errors proved costly.
Head coach Papi Zothwane noted how his side exploited goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with long-range efforts. Richards Bay’s run-in includes tough encounters against TS Galaxy and a red-hot Mamelodi Sundowns side currently on a lengthy unbeaten streak. While points may be difficult to secure in those fixtures, a final-day clash against Magesi could offer a valuable opportunity to end the season on a high.
UP NEXT: TS Galaxy, Mamelodi Sundowns, Polokwane City, Marumo Gallants, Sekukhune United and Magesi.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.