Last match could decide GDL title
With the season extended by a week due to the earlier postponement of some fixtures, including the Kaizer Chiefs versus Mamelodi Sundowns showdown at Naturena two weeks ago, teams in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) took to the field on the weekend once again with plenty to play for.
All eyes were on Sundowns, who had an opportunity to narrow the gap on the log leaders, Highlands Park.
It was a tough ask for coach Surprise Moriri‘s Sundowns, though, as they were faced with matches on successive days, playing Joburg City on Saturday and Randburg AFC on Sunday.
‘Downs, though, were up for the challenge, easing to 5-1 and 3-1 wins respectively to reduce the gap on the defending champions, Highlands Park, to only three points ahead of the last week of the season.
Their Tshwane neighbours, SuperSport United, faced off against Kathorus Hyper Academy at Curro Sagewood and emerged victorious by a 5-1 scoreline, which lifted SuperSport into the top five of the league standings.
Remember Elite Sport Academy (Resa) and Randburg AFC drew 0-0 at President Park on Saturday, while Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School suffered a shock defeat to 16th-placed Joburg City.
RESULTS
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-1 Joburg City
SuperSport United 5-1 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Remember Elite Sports Academy 0-0 Randburg AFC
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Randburg AFC
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School 0-2 Joburg City
A LOOK AHEAD TO THE FINAL WEEK
Thirty-five weeks of intense Academy football have come and gone and, with only one week left, the champion has not yet been determined.
After hundreds of fixtures, three teams – log leaders Highlands Park, second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, and third-placed Kaizer Chiefs – have a chance to walk away with the coveted league title.
It’s little surprise that the trio is once again battling it out for the honours. It was a similar story in 2023, when Highlands Park hoisted the trophy, with Sundowns settling for second and Chiefs for third.
The defending champions hold a three-point advantage over ‘Downs and enjoy a six-point cushion over Chiefs, but the Tshwane-based Sundowns have played two games fewer than “The Lions of the North‘” which means if the Brazilians win their last two matches and Highlands Park also wins, the league winner would be decided on goal difference.
The season is set for a nail-biting finish with Sundowns and Chiefs locking horns in the very last match at Naturena Village on Sunday. The tension will, no doubt, be through the roof.
On the other hand, Highlands Park appears to have a simpler task. They conclude their season on Sunday against East Rand Athletic Club at home.
