Friday’s clashes in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit can be essential in figuring out the 2 finalists of the SA Cup because the final spherical of group matches unfold.
The highest 4 groups are battling it out, and the 2 finalists – in addition to the venue for the match – will emerge by day’s finish. Griquas, main the desk, will sq. off in opposition to the fourth-placed Cheetahs, whereas the Pumas, holding the second spot, will tackle the Griffons, who sit in third place.
The Free Staters host their neighbours from the Northern Cape in a vital encounter the place the house aspect – who can’t make the ultimate anymore – will goal to upset the group on the high of the standings and within the course of do the Pumas a large favour.
Ought to the Cheetahs win and Griquas any log factors, the Pumas can nonetheless end on the high of the log. Nevertheless, victory or a draw for the Peacock Blues will safe them a house ultimate, and they’re going to look to seal the deal and provides their supporters one thing to sit up for on the final weekend in Might.
Within the different match on Friday, which kicks off an hour later, the Pumas will host the Griffons in a showdown the place victory may catapult both group into title rivalry. Each groups, having misplaced only one league sport every, perceive the importance of this encounter.
Ought to Griquas stumble, victory for the Pumas will see the 2 groups end on the identical variety of log factors, and the factors’ distinction of solely three factors will then come into play, however it’s so small, that the win ought to safe a house ultimate for the group from Mpumalanga.
Just one log level behind the Pumas, the group from the Northern Free State will look to showcase their abilities and ebook a spot within the ultimate, however the Griffons will know that victory is the one method ahead for them.
On Saturday, the motion continues with two matches. Firstly, the SWD Eagles, positioned sixth, will host the Leopards, presently in ninth place, at Outeniqua Park, the place each groups are locked in a battle for a mid-table end.
In the meantime, the Boland Kavaliers will conflict with Jap Province in Piketberg. The Gqeberha-based aspect seeks to climb two locations on the log and end sixth, only one place behind Boland, who’re assured to stay in fifth place whatever the final result.
Wrapping up the week’s fixtures, the Border Bulldogs will sq. off in opposition to Valke, aiming to conclude their season on a optimistic observe and safe precious factors. Sharing 13 log factors with the Eagles and Jap Province, in addition they harbour hopes of reaching a sixth-place end.
SA Cup fixtures:
Friday, 17 Might
Cheetahs vs Griquas, Shimla Park, Bloemfontein, 6pm
Pumas vs Griffons, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, 7pm
Saturday, 18 Might
SWD Eagles vs Leopards, Outeniqua Park, George, 2:30pm
Boland Kavaliers vs Jap Province, Rhino Park, Piketberg, 3pm
Sunday, 19 Might
Border Bulldogs vs Valke, Police Park, East London, 2pm
Picture: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Photographs
