With one round to go before the knockout stages, we are getting closer to finding out the four teams that will contest the semi-finals. Runaway leaders TUT have sealed a home semi-final but they will have to wait to know their opponents. NWU upset UJ to boost their chances of reaching the elimination stages. CUT are still there and Tuks are slowly making their way to the semis. There will be no room for error as the final matches of the round robin take place.
Tuks vs CUT
The pressure is mounting on Tuks to make a late surge to the semis. A win is a must against the unpredictable CUT, who will be playing the party poopers role in the capital. A point will do for the visitors from the City of Roses and a win would virtually guarantee their passage to the semis. They are not going into the game with the same pressure as Tuks as they can still slip up and make the top-four cut. But with fate in their hands, CUT will want to put a dagger into Tuks hearts in front of their supporters. But Tuks are known to handle pressure well and bursting their bubbles will require something extra ordinary from CUT.
Prediction: Tuks 2 CUT 1
Wits vs UFH
It is safe to call this fixture the battle for the wooden spoon. It’s the bottom versus second from bottom. Both teams have battled throughout the campaign. With UFH still looking for their first win of the tournament, Wits are the team that have disappointed most in this campaign. They have been involved in this tournament longer than UFH but their performances have been nothing short of disappointing. Just one win in six games and five losses sums up their disastrous season.
Prediction: Wits 3 UFH 0
UJ v UWC
It’s winner takes all in this match. Whoever wins this final round robin match qualifies for the semi-finals – it’s as simple as that. UJ have made things hard for themselves by cruising to a 3-0 defeat at home against NWU. They are forced to dig deep to wrestle three points away from the Mother City outfit. UWC are not good travellers but they know that a draw or victory will give them a glimmer of hope depending on how Tuks fare in their last two games. UJ have no choice but to have a go at the visitors or crash out in a disappointing manner.
Prediction: UJ 2 UWC 1
TUT vs NWU
NWU are looking over their shoulders as UJ, UWC and Tuks breathe heavily down their backs. Only two points separate them and sixth-placed Tuks. It would have been easier going to Tshwane to face an unstoppable red machine having already sealed qualification. But NWU find themselves up against an in-form TUT, who are on a quest to remain unbeaten. But the boys from Mafikeng will look back to their big 3-0 win over UJ as motivation to do the unthinkable and end TUT’s unbeaten two-year run. This will be a big match, but expect the usual as TUT are set to prevail once again.
Prediction: TUT 3 NWU 1
Watch NWU stun UJ:
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun a
