The three remaining Carling Knockout quarter finals take place this weekend, on Saturday Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune whilst on Sunday the games between Kaizer Chiefs and Siwelele and Stellenbosch and Amazulu also form part of our treble.
Earlier this week Sundowns became the first team to book their semi final place when they were 1-0 winners against Golden Arrows at Loftus. That leaves 3 places up for grabs so let’s see what we can come up with.
Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune (Saturday)
Pirates are the holders of this trophy after a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants (aet) in last season’s final and in the first round this season they saw off Milford FC 3-0 in Orlando with Moremi helping himself to two of the goals. Pirates have lost their grip on the MTN8 trophy after losing the final to Sundowns but they continue to progress in the Caf Champions League and after a 2-1 win in the Soweto Derby against Chiefs last weekend they remain in second spot in the Betway Premiership with a record of 8 wins and 1 draw and they sit 1 point behind Sundowns with a game in hand.
Sekhukhune arrive in the quarter finals on the back of 3-1 home win over Richards Bay in the previous round, a game where all the goals came in the second half. They probably wouldn’t have wanted to face Pirates at this stage given they have played the Bucs 3 times already this season and they have lost each time. In the MTN8 semi finals in August Pirates won both legs and went through 4-0 on aggregate whilst a league game in Orlando in the same month saw Sekhukhune go down 2-0. Sekhukhune are currently sixth in the Betway Premiership with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats with 9 goals scored and the same number conceded
The Verdict
Pirates are 5/10 favourites in the early betting and that is pretty difficult to argue with given their form and the fact they have beaten Sekhukhune 3 times this season without conceding.
The first leg of my treble is Pirates to win in regulation time at 5/10
Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwlele (Sunday)
Chiefs didn’t last long in this competition last season, losing their first round match to Stellenbosch but they made no mistake at the first hurdle this time around with a Wandile Duba hat trick seeing off TS Galaxy 3-0 at Soccer City last month. Chiefs failed to progress in the CAF Confederations Cup and also exited the MTN8 in the first round, losing at home to Golden Arrows. In the Betway Premiership Chefs are fifth with a record of 3 wins and 5 draws and 1 defeat and that loss came in the derby with Pirates last weekend.
This game is being staged at Polokwane and Siwelele came away from the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium with a penalty shoot out win over Polokwane City in the previous round which had failed to deliver a goal. The Betway Premiership has been a struggle so far with Siwelele third from bottom with 6 points. They have 1 win, 3 draws and 5 defeats against their name and one of those losses came against Chiefs who were 3-2 winners in a league game in September.
The Verdict
Chiefs need a boost to get their season back on track after a number of draws and the derby defeat in the league. This is an ideal opportunity and although they look very short at 4/10 I think they can get the job done in regulation time.
The second leg of my treble is Chiefs to win in regulation time at 4/10
Stellenbosch vs Amazulu (Sunday)
Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored 2 late goals t give Stellies a 2-0 win away to Durban City in the first round. A run of improved Betway Premiership form was halted last weekend when Stellenbosch went down 2-0 at home to Chippa but they reside in mid table with 10 points from 9 games. The opening match of the league season on 1st August saw Stellies lose 1-0 at home to their opponents here.
Amazulu booked their quarter final place with a 1-0 win away to Kruger with Ekstein 78th minute penalty deciding the contest last month. That win was of 6 consecutive victories in league or cup competition for Amazulu who can be found in a lofty third position in the Betway Premiership with a record of 7 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat and they are 4 points behind Sundowns (with a game in hand) and 3 shy of Pirates.
The Verdict
The feel factor around Amazulu right now might just see them keep that winning streak going and they look over priced at 2/1.
The third leg of my treble is Amazulu to win in regulation time at 2/1.
Bet. Treble, Pirates, Chiefs and Amazulu all to win at 53/10 with Hollywoodbets
Note, odds are subject to change
