The Cape’s top-flight sides Stellenbosch and Cape Town City could determine where the PSL title goes this season with clashes against Mamelodi Sundowns on the horizon.
City managed to steal a point from the defending champions when they met in the 1-1 draw at Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium early in the campaign last year.
That was under previous coach Benni McCarthy, who went to battle with a makeshift centreback pairing and was blooding in new players to his squad.
McCarthy has since been fired after a run of bad results and has been replaced by Dutch coach Jan Olde Riekerink, who has not done that much better since taking over in November.
They are in an improved position, however, with a slender four-point gap from the relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 win over a title-chasing Wits which they backed up with a 1-0 win against Black Leopards.
All three matches the Citizens won since McCarthy left were played at home, so there is something there when they play in their backyard.
The other was a 5-3 win over Polokwane City under assistant coach Vasili Manousakis while the current mentor was waiting for his work permit.
CAPE TEST: Mosimane. Picture: Sydney Mahlagu/BackpagePix.
There is a Stellenbosch version 20.20 rising out in the Winelands, which has a score to settle against Pitso Mosimane’s men.
It was a heated affair the first and last time the two sides clashed in December.
Sundowns won the temperamental match 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Brazilians equalised from a contentious penalty after Stellies took the lead in the first half.
CHALLENGE: Stellenbosch. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
Things went from bad to worse for the Cape side as captain Mogamad de Goede was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rivaldo Coetzee, which resulted in the Downs defensive plug leaving the field on a stretcher.
Substitute goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse was also sent packing from the bench, for perceived foul language against the fourth official.
That set the stage for a comeback for the Brazilians, whose victory kept Steve Barker’s men rooted at the bottom of the table back then.
RIVALS: Amakhosi and Pirates. Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.
That would be the last time they would concede more than two goals, so the visitors from Pretoria must be prepared for the 2020 version of the reigning NFD champions.
Just like title rivals Kiazer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, save the dates, starting next Wednesday when Stellenbosch host Sundowns at Athlone Stadium.
Downs then return to Cape Town Stadium on April 8 for their clash with City.