IT’S the calm before the storm this weekend as the National First Division league takes a break for Nedbank Cup fixtures.
But once that is done with, log leaders Thanda Royal Zulu will resume their quest for automatic promotion to the PSL with three fixtures in six days.
Having lost just once all season, eight points ahead of their closest rivals and with a huge plus 23 goal difference, this is surely the year the Amabhubesi will bring home glory.
Even without injured star striker Mhlengi Cele, the young lions gave yet another message of intent when they outgunned Santos 2-0 on Sunday.
Thanda have played incredibly good football this season, silencing their critics and earning the admiration of friend and foe alike.
Attribute this to an astute technical team, solid management, good on-field discipline and the financial and moral support of the local and district municipalities… plus of course the faithful fans.
First job ahead is to dispatch of mid-table Jomo Cosmos in their away game on Sunday, 16 April.
Then it’s the big one on Wednesday, 19 April against Black Leopards at the uMhlathuze stadium.
Mark down this one as a six-pointer: Leopards sit in second place on the log, eight points behind Thanda, who will surge to an 11 point advantage with only seven games left.
Their remaining fixtures do feature some tough opponents, but there are also a few that should be easy pickings.
Who knows, they might be wearing the crown long before the last games are played:
• Sunday, 16 April – Jomo Cosmos away;
• Wednesday, 19 April – Black Leopards home;
• Saturday, 21 April – Royal Eagles away;
• Sunday, 30 April l – Magesi home;
• Sunday, 7 May – Stellenbosch home;
• Friday, 12 May – CT All Stars away;
• Sunday, 21 May – FC Cape Town home;
• Sunday, 28 May – Real Kings away.
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