Battle for CAF spots rages

AND then there was one! The final day of the Dstv Premiership season this afternoon might determine the last two teams that will join Mamelodi Sundowns in continental football next season.

On another day, the two teams that would have finished second and third after match-day 30 today would secure their CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup spots next term respectively.

But that might not be the case, given that Orlando Pirates were playing in the Confederation Cup final last night, while they are still within touching distance of finishing third and qualifying for the same competition next season.

Be that as it may, the top of the table clash between champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Royal AM at the Chatsworth Stadium will not serve as a dead rubber. There’s a lot at stake for the latter.

Sundowns head into the match knowing that they’ll be officially crowned champions for a fifth successive term, but Royal AM are eyeing a continental qualification at the first attempt.

Royal AM are third with 46 points, three ahead of Cape Town City who’ve played a game more. If they get three points against the Brazilians, they’ll all but pull themselves closer to the promised land.

But Sundowns are hoping to be crowned in style, making up for the 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch, while starting their preparations for the Nedbank Cup final against Marumo Gallants next Saturday.

The two teams’ front men, Downs’ Peter Shalulile and Royal AM’S Victor Letsoalo, are also in the running for the Footballer of the Season award.

With the right supply from midfielder Andile Jali, who’s in the running for five awards, Shalulile will be eyeing at least a hat-trick that will see him equal Collins Mbesuma’s record of 25 league goals in a season.

But perhaps the main attraction of the day will be at FNB Stadium where continental and survival hopefuls Kaizer Chiefs and Swallows will cross paths.

Chiefs are fourth and level with Royal AM on 46 points. They need to beat neighbours Swallows if they are to qualify for continental football next season, although that will come if other teams do them favours.

A Chiefs win though could also relegate Swallows in only their second season back in the top flight as the latter are 15th.

Victory for Chiefs could also launch their preparations for the new season, especially if Arthur Zwane is going to be at the helm.

Zwane has spoken candidly of how players must live up to the billing of being the “Glamour Boys”, while those who’ve been under par will be offloaded.

The game against Swallows will, therefore, serve as a final audition for some of the players. For the Birds it could mean relegation unless bottom dwellers Baroka lose to Chippa United in Gqeberha.

Meanwhile, the ikapa derby between Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City will be more than just about bragging rights. A lot is still up for grabs as the two teams can still play continental football next season as well.

A win or draw for City will put them in a firm spot to book their spot in Africa for the first time since their inception five years ago. But Stellies will also be within touching distance if they win at home.