PSL Preview Wrap: Top-8 race heats up and relegation pressure mounts

PSL Preview Wrap: Top-8 race heats up and relegation pressure mounts

 

Durban City, who are aiming to secure a Top 8 finish, will host relegation-threatened Orbit College FC at Chatsworth Stadium.

In the other fixture, Golden Arrows welcome Siwelele FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium. Both sides remain in the hunt for a top-half finish, and maximum points for either side will be a huge boost in pursuit of a spot in the MTN8 next season.

Durban City FC v Orbit College FC

With only five wins from 25 matches, it is no surprise that Orbit College find themselves at the bottom of the log with just 19 points. The newcomers to top-flight football have struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership, currently enduring a five-match winless run.

Their last victory came in early March, when they edged TS Galaxy 2-1. Since then, they have recorded four defeats and one draw. With just one point separating them from 15th-placed Marumo Gallants, Orbit will be desperate to start collecting points, especially against a struggling Durban City side.

Despite a positive start to the season, Durban City are currently in poor form, heading into this clash on the back of three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 5-2 loss to Magesi FC last weekend.

Coach Pitso Dladla will be hoping his team can respond and return to winning ways in their push for a Top-8 finish. Durban City are currently sixth on the log with 35 points.

Golden Arrows FC v Siwelele FC

After suffering a 5-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows have bounced back strongly with two consecutive wins against Durban City and Orbit College.

Abafana Bes'thende are eager to secure a place in next season's MTN8, and their recent form will serve as a confidence boost heading into the final five matches of the campaign.

They currently sit eighth on the table with 34 points and cannot afford any slip-ups, with several teams close behind applying pressure.

Facing Siwelele, Arrows will also be seeking revenge after losing 3-1 in the reverse fixture. Siwelele, meanwhile, will be aiming to collect maximum points as they continue pushing for a potential Top-8 finish.

The Free State-based side still have 18 points to play for, having played 24 matches. They are currently 11th on the log with 28 points, just six behind Arrows, setting up a crucial encounter in the race for a Top-8 spot.
 

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