FORMER national soccer team striker Shaun Bartlett yesterday boldly predicted that leaders SuperSport United would have the domestic premiership title race wrapped up by Christmas.
United have a seven-point lead over second-placed Ajax Cape Town and Bartlett said it would take a spectacular loss of form to prevent the holders from romping to a third premiership title in a row.
“It is going to be very difficult for anyone to catch them,” Bartlett said yesterday. “I think that United have got the momentum and they are getting the results.”
Coach Gavin Hunt’s charges certainly look the part and it is going to be very difficult for anyone to disagree with Bartlett, especially after the way they easily dismantled a shell-shocked Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night.
The quality of this United side was evident and the fact they were able to beat Chiefs 2-0 while playing poorly in the first half speaks volumes. Liberian Anthony Laffour has been their main source of inspiration and the midfielder — whom Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic describes as the best in SA — has simply been unstoppable.
Orlando Pirates were tipped as the main contenders for the premiership title when amateur psychics gazed into their crystal balls at the start of the season.
Bartlett said that, just like everybody else, he thought Pirates were either favourites or would at least push United all the way after finishing runners-up last season.
“But that has not happened, has it? So how do you finish runners-up in the previous season and then suddenly give away the title, as Pirates have done this year?
“I think the reason is simple — Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs depend too much on individuals. If those individuals, like Teko Modise, are off the boil as we have seen recently, the whole team suffers.
“United do not have those kinds of problems because they play more as a team than individuals. They might not have the stars that Chiefs and Pirates boasts but their players work very hard.”
United meet Bloemfontein Celtic at Loftus tomorrow. If Celtic fail to stop them, the writing will be on the wall as United will be 12 games to the good.
Hunt could be without striker Glen Salmon, Bafana defender Morgan Gould and Siyabonga Nkosi, who are all nursing an assortment of injuries.
At Orlando Stadium, Pirates — who are nine points behind United — will attempt to re-ignite their faltering league campaign when they host Soweto rivals Moroka Swallows tomorrow night. But Swallows coach Rainer Zobel warned yesterday that Pirates should expect a tricky day in the office as the Birds were desperate for the points.
WEEKEND’S PSL FIXTURES
Tomorrow: Platinum Stars vs Golden Arrows at Royal Bafokeng Stadium (3.30pm), Black Aces vs Jomo Cosmos at Puma Rugby Stadium (3,30pm), Free State Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns at Goble Park (3.30pm), Orlando Pirates vs Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium (8.15pm), Santos vs Ajax Cape Town at Athlone Stadium (8.15pm)
Sunday: AmaZulu vs Maritzburg United at Moses Mabhida Stadium (3.30pm), Wits vs Kaizer Chiefs at Stadium (3.30pm)
ntlokom@bdfm.co.za