Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are pushing for a second spot finish, which will give them passage to next season's Caf Champions League.
This coming Saturday, the two Soweto giants will be looking for nothing less than three points when they take on Richards Bay, and Stellenbosch FC respectively in their quest to leap-frog second placed SuperSport United.
Richards Bay FC vs Orlando Pirates:
Based on current form and statistics, Orlando Pirates should have no problems disposing of Richards Bay when the two sides clash on Saturday 01 April at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban.
After-all, the Rich Boys are currently enduring a poor run of form, having lost all their last five matches, scoring just a single goal, with 10 conceded.
With Pirates buoyed by their quest for the all-important CAFCL spot, they will be looking to rub salt to Bay's open wound by handing them a sixth defeat in a row.
The last time the two sides met, Bucs dominated proceedings, with 69% ball possession, and 11 attempts on goal, with the Rich Boys settling for just 31% of the ball, and a mere two goal attempts.
More of the same can be expected on Saturday, with Pirates dominating possession and creating the better chances.
But there is one factor that might work in Richards Bay's favor, and that is the change in their technical team's hierarchy.
Just before the international break, the Rich Boys announced Vasili Manousakis as their sole head coach, with Pitso Dladla relegated to an assistant role after they worked as co-coaches throughout the season.
Coaching changes seem to motivate players as they perform above themselves in the first few games to impress the new coach.
That is what Pirates will have to contend with, a rejuvenated Richards Bay looking to get back to winning ways.
If Amabhakaniya can keep cool heads and be able to handle a resurgent Bay, they may walk away with the much needed three points.
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Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch FC:
Amakhosi will host Stellies on Saturday 01 April at FNB Stadium, with the kickoff at 17:30.
This should be an exciting fixture, with both sides currently enjoying a rich run of form.
Chiefs have won three of their last five games, showing a bit of consistency for the first time this season, with four wins in a row if you include the Nedbank Cup.
While Arthur Zwane will be hoping for a continuation of their good run, they are facing a Stellies side that is also on an upward trajectory.
Steve Barker's youngsters, boosted by the return of Dstv Premiership Player of The Month, Iqraam Rayners, have been unstoppable lately.
They have won four out of their last five league games, dropping points only against Mamelodi Sundowns in a 1-1 draw.
The only thing that can separate the two sides in this all-important encounter is who takes their chances.
With Amakhosi's ability to create chances, with a positive xGF (expected goals for) of 1.68 per match, and Stellenbosch's unconvincing xGA (expected goals against) of 1.35 per match, we can expect Chiefs to have no problems finding the back of the net.
But it is Chiefs' defending that Stellenbosch may look to exploit, Amakhosi average 1.13 goals conceded per match, with Stellies in a mean scoring mood lately, having scored 10 goals in their last five matches, expect them two score a goal or two at FNB.
This is a difficult encounter to predict, but one thing for, there will be a lot of exciting action and goals from both sides.
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