15 March 2011
Wednesday could provide a pivotal day of action in the South African Premier League as first plays second.
Top-of-the-table Orlando Pirates travel to second-placed Ajax Cape Town, leading by a single point, but with the knowledge that they could be removed from the summit.
Should Ajax win they will go two points clear, and also potentially allow Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs back into the frame.
Third-placed Sundowns host rookies Vasco da Gama and could leapfrog Pirates with a win for themselves and a Bucs loss.
Sundowns were bundled out of the Nedbank Cup by Pirates last weekend and after a season that promised so much with their expensively assembled squad, they are left with just league honours to play for.
Fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs are not in action as their match against defending champions SuperSport United has been postponed to April with the latter involved in a weekend African Champions League clash against Al Ahly in Cairo.
The relegation battle is getting to the business end too. Mpumalanga Black Aces simply need to win as they host Free State Stars.
AmaZayoni are eight points from Moroka Swallows and the relative safety of the relegation play-off position, but with just six games remaining in the season, they probably need to win five of those.
Swallows face the daunting prospect of a trip to Bloemfontein Celtic, who have yet to lose at home in the Premier League this season, but who were turned over on their own patch in the Nedbank Cup by Platinum Stars last Saturday.
Maritzburg United, the other side in the relegation battle, are at home to the Platinum Stars, with new coach Ian Palmer taking charge of his first match following the sacking of the German tactician Ernst Middendorp on Friday night.
Golden Arrows are another side desperate for a win after nine games without a success in all competitions, and they travel to in-form BidVest Wits, who are still hopeful of a top five finish.
Finally, AmaZulu and Santos are involved in a battle for mid-table obscurity, with the latter having a desperate second half to the season.
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