The race to avoid the the dreaded relegation axe in the DStv Premiership is intensifying as we enter the business end of the season.
Five teams at the foot end of the Premiership are still in danger and look to escape the crop. These teams are; Marumo Gallants, Chippa United and Maritzburg United, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC.
However, Galaxy and Richards Bay FC are best placed to survive and retain their topflight status.
Mamelodi Sundowns have already clinched the league title, thanks to great-consistent performances under Rulani Mokwena. Their dominance throughout the season has been impressive.
Furthermore, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs are in the race of finishing second to secure a CAF Champions League spot.
FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at the five bottom-placed teams who are likely to be playing their football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season.
RELAGTION AXE LOOMING LARGE ON MARITZBURG UNITED
The KZN outfit has been struggling for form since the beginning of the campaign. The club sacked John Maduka from the position of head coach in November 2022. This came after a string of bad results. The team sitting at the bottom of the log with 11 points from 13 matches.
In an attempt to lift the team from the relegation zone, the management re-appointed Fadlu Davids as the coach in the same month.
In the January transfer window they bolstered their squad by bringing in new five players. These include Ali Meza, Bradley Cross, Kwame Peprah, Wayde Jooste and Fariq De Goede.
To date, the Team of Choice are at the bottom. They are three points behind 15th placed Chippa United after accumulating 29 points.
Their next three matches will be tough. They will face Stellenbosch FC [H] and end the campaign against league champions Mamelodi Sundowns [A].
Stellenbosch FC are on a good form as they continue cementing their place in the top eight. Sundowns have regained their winning momentum and secured a spot in the CAF Champions league semi-finals.
OTHER RELEGATION-THREATENED DSTV PREMIERSHIP TEAMS
Marumo Gallants and Chippa United are in danger of relegation if they don’t yield good results in the next coming games. Both teams are three points above Maritzburg with 29 points respectively.
Gallants’ remaining matches are only left with Swallows FC [A]. On the other hand, Chippa will face TS Galaxy [A] and Golden Arrows [H].
In addition, a win for Galaxy and Richards Bay FC respectively in one of their two remaining games will likely seal their survival.