Time to take out the calculators as GDL heads towards its conclusion
After a quieter four-match weekend, the Gauteng Development League (GDL) returns with a full schedule this weekend, with the pressure dialled up to the maximum as the season nears its conclusion.
Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
Highlands Park leads the way and is positioned to win the GDL title for a third year in succession, but Mamelodi Sundowns are chomping at their heels and ready to pounce if the Lions of the North slip up.
The Brazilians face a tough challenge this weekend, however. They have a game in hand, but they’ll make it up by playing a double-header. On Saturday, they host Seven’s Academy at Clapham High. Then, on Sunday, they travel to Roodepoort for a showdown with Panorama.
On paper, Sundowns should be favoured in both matches, but the GDL season has been anything but predictable and anything could happen.
With four games remaining, Sundowns has 68 points and could reach a maximum of 80 if they win all of them. Highlands Park, on the other hand, has three games left and could tally 83 points with victories in all three.
It is, however, advantage to Highlands Park, with Sundowns needing the two-time defending champions to drop points if they are to take over at the top.
While Sundowns are favoured against Seven’s Academy, they’re also under significant pressure to perform, and it will not be an easy match for either side. Sundowns’ coach, Kristopher Bergman, told SuperSport Schools Plus in August that in the GDL every game must be fought for, and no results are assured.
Highlands Park, who will be heading to Pretoria to play the University of Pretoria (Tuks) on Sunday, will, no doubt, keep a close eye on the Sundowns versus Seven’s Academy match.
Sundowns will have their own road game on Sunday, and it will be a tester, taking on Panorama at the Panorama Sports Ground.
Panorama was in action in the Engen Champs of Champs last weekend, where they secured a bronze medal by defeating Junior Birds 5-0 in the third-place playoff.
The title went to Cape Town City, who defeated Chippa United 3-0 in the final.
Panorama’s recent performances in the GDL have been mixed, though. Last week, ahead of the Engen Champ of Champs, they they lost a derby match to Randburg, going down 0-1.
The Roodepoort club also has a Saturday match on their schedule. They take a trip to Vereeniging to face third placed Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) at President Park Stadium.
Kaizer Chiefs, after a 3-2 win over Jomo Cosmos last weekend, leave Kaizer Chiefs Village for a game against Rockefvs at the ACCP Grounds.
Jomo Cosmos takes on Wits Junior at the Rand Stadium, while the School of Excellence has two matches to play. On Saturday, they take on Elspark United at Elandfontein. Then, on Sunday, they meet the East Rand Athletic Club at the same venue.
Joburg City welcomes SuperSport United to the Greek Sporting Club, while Kathorus Hyper Academy and East Rand Athletic Club meet at Tsakane Stadium.
TS Galaxy is scheduled to host Randburg at the 3rd Square Stadium in Alexandra.
FIXTURES
Saturday, 18 October
14:00
TS Galaxy vs Randburg, 3rd Square Stadium
15:00
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Seven’s Academy, Clapham High School
Joburg City vs SuperSport United, Greek Sporting Club
School of Excellence vs Elspark United, Elandsfontein Park
Jomo Cosmos vs Wits Junior, Rand Stadium
RESA vs Panorama, President Park
Rockefvs vs Kaizer Chiefs, ACCP Grounds
East Rand Athletic vs Kathorus, Tsakane Stadium
Sunday, 19 October
15:00
Tuks vs Highlands Park, University of Pretoria
Panorama vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Panorama Sports Ground
School of Excellence vs East Rand Athletic, Elandsfontein
- GWSL playoffs captivate, but semis and final on hold due to bad weather - 2025-11-17
- Japan ends Amajimbos’ World Cup run - 2025-11-16
- Amajimbos face Japan in the last 32 of the World Cup - 2025-11-14
