Log leaders Subs can turn up the heat against Hotspurs
THE three title contenders in the Safa-NMB Premier League will need to keep an eye on their rivals this weekend as the race for honours hots up.
Subs, who have led the race for most of the season, regained the lead two weeks ago when Callies slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Island City. Last week, Subs beat Showvillage United to hang on to the lead on goal difference.
Tomorrow, they take on Hotspurs at the Dyke. After holding Callies to a draw, Hotspurs came apart and were thrashed 6-1 by Lion City and then lost 2-1 to Highland Spurs. Despite the defeats, Hotspurs remain the best of the also-rans. Subs won 4-0 in the first round.
Callies host Royal Bucks, whom they beat 2-0 in the first round at the Westbourne Oval. Anything less than maximum points could see them out of the race. Despite the recent setbacks, Callies coach Moenier Safedien is quietly optimistic.
"All is not lost. We have the depth in our squad to be there at the finish," he said.
"The crunch will come when we play Subs and City. They played each other in the second round and we have to play both."
Lion City, who are a point behind the log leaders, must be the team to beat for the league title. In their last four matches, City have scored 15 goals with just two against.
They take on Despatch Pioneers at the NU2 Stadium. Although they drew 0-0 in the first round, City are likely to collect the three points.
Fixtures:
Fairview Rovers v Tomorrow Stars (Saints field), Camper United v Peace United (NU9), Sunrise Development v Central Acemates (Zwide Stadium), Callies v Royal Bucks (Westbourne Oval), Showvillage United v Motherwell Academy (NU2), Lion City v Despatch Pioneers (NU2), Hotspurs v Subs (Dyke), Highland Spurs v Island City (Jabavu)
Meanwhile, following the successful under-15 trials at Londt Park last week, Callies, in association with the Wits Youth Academy, will be conducting trials for U17 players at the Gelvandale Stadium on Sunday, starting at 11am.
Players attending must be born after January 1 1999.
For further information contact Bruce July (081-449-6650) or Moenier Safedien (083-447-3869). - Mogan Segadavan
