Back to the Bread and Butter

Normal service is resumed this weekend. Club football returns after what seems to have been a very long break for international football. There are also the Rugby World Cup semi finals. Since the Springboks got knocked out last weekend it feels like the world cup ended. We also have some international cricket for the Proteas.


As with all international breaks as players return to their respective clubs the first question is “Who got injured?”. The international break is usually welcomed by struggling teams as it gives them a chance to re-focus and re-strategize. Whereas the teams that were doing well before the break are very unhappy as they feel they will lose their momentum and good form.

Siya’s Top 4 must watch games this weekend:

Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard

 Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield Stadium
Supersport 3, Saturday, 13h00


When the fixture list for the season is released, the 2 games everyone checks are Liverpool versus Manchester United. The rivalry between these two sides makes this match a must watch. I cannot remember the last time these two played a boring 0-0 game. There will be goals in this one and lots of yellow cards maybe even a red. Last season in the corresponding fixture Liverpool won 3-1. Sir Alex Ferguson will not want to lose again this season. The traveling might be a factor in the 2nd half as players like Suarez and Hernandez have been playing halfway around the world in World cup qualifiers. The defense of Manchester united has been shaky of late as Basle showed in Champions League. Liverpool have also not been at their best as yet.
Prediction: 2-2

Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium
Supersport 4, Saturday, 18h00



 This will be the 1st game in charge for Muhsin Ertugral at Arrows. Talk about a baptism of fire for the new coach. He has had couple of weeks to work with the players and would have been happy with the break in league action. The last time Arrows played they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1. Sundowns have been blowing hot and cold this season so far. They can be brilliant in the 1st half (look unbeatable) and be average in 2nd half of games. At their best Mamelodi Sundowns is a marvel to watch. This fixture always has goals in it.
Prediction: 1-2

Sonny Bill Williams

New Zealand vs Australia at Eden Park
Supersport 1, Sunday, 09h30

This should have been the rugby world cup final. Unfortunately these 2 top rugby teams have to meet at the semi-final stage. Some people are saying whoever wins this match will win the whole thing. New Zealand is the only side unbeaten since the tournament started. History tells us that every team that has won the rugby world cup went through the whole tournament unbeaten. The injuries that New Zealand has suffered will be crucial though. Losing top players like Dan Carter and Mills Muliaina will not make life easy. The Australians are lucky to have reached this stage as I feel the Boks should have put them away last week. They were bashed and bruised last weekend and had to tackle for their lives. This will be one battle too many for the Aussies. I just hope the referee does not spoil this match.
Prediction: 22-12

Robin Peterson

South Africa vs Australia, Wanderers Stadium
Supersport 2, Sunday, 14h30

This is the 2nd T20 between these 2 teams after last night. The Proteas looked rusty and under-cooked in the 1st game. Their intensity levels need to be raised; the fielding must improve, running between the wickets also. Graeme Smith needs to go back and play domestic cricket to regain form. His footwork was non-existent last night as he scratched around for a 6 ball duck. JP Duminy played well and should continue with his early form. Rusty Theron needs to improve as he could not hit his lengths. The Australians were impressive with their youngsters in particular Pat Cummins who at 18 looks very fast and accurate. He will be a handful for many years to come. South Africa should come back strongly in this one and will win
Prediction: SA win by 15 runs

Other matches to look out for:
Pirates vs Amazulu
Leopards vs Chiefs
Wales vs France