Tough GDL challenges await NWU Vaal, Kathorus Hyper Academy
A weekend of doubleheaders awaits in the Gauteng Development League, with 18 mouthwatering fixtures set to grace the SuperSport Schools app on mobile devices and SuperSport Schools’ DStv Channel 216.
The weekend starts with a steep challenge for 13th-placed NWU Vaal, who will host log-leading Mamelodi Sundowns at the George Thabe Stadium on Saturday. The following day, they face an equally daunting outing against second placed Kaizer Chiefs at Naturena Village.
It’s a tough task for coach Tebello Kheswa’s NWU Vaal, who head into their most challenging assignments yet after failing to win any of their last five fixtures.
During that time, Kheswa’s troops have lost to Tuks, SuperSport United, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and Panorama, while they drew with RESA the first time the teams met.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are unbeaten in the league, while Kaizer Chiefs have lost only once all season long.
Kheswa’s team is not the only one facing a difficult weekend. Kathorus Hyper Academy have their work cut out, too. They visit the Panorama Sports Club on Saturday to face a side that is coached by a tactical mastermind, Boy Gcabashe.
Gcabashe has been the driving force behind the success of the Panorama under-19 side, not only in the league but also in the Engen Knockout Challenge where he has directed them to qualify for three consecutive Engen tournaments, which takes some doing.
On Sunday, Kathorus Hyper welcomes Mamelodi Sundowns to the Huntersfield Stadium to conclude their double-header weekend.
High-flying TS Galaxy hosts the East Rand Athletic Club and Sevens Academy at George Lea Park on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
RESA faces Jomo Cosmos at President Park on Saturday before travelling to Balfour Park on Sunday to play the defending champions, Highlands Park.
Before hosting RESA on Sunday, Highlands Park will tackle the School of Excellence at Elandsfontein.
Tuks will remain in Pretoria for the weekend. They take on SuperSport United at Eskom Megawatt Park in a Pretoria derby on Saturday before welcoming the School of Excellence to the University of Pretoria Sports Complex on Sunday.
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School is home to Joburg City on Saturday but away at Marks Park on Sunday, where they will match skills with Wits Junior.
Randburg AFC has home ground advantage against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday. On Sunday, they’re away at Joburg City.
Saturday Fixtures
TS Galaxy vs East Rand Athletic
SuperSport united vs Tuks
Sevens Academy vs Wits Junior
School of Excellence vs Highlands Park
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports Schools vs Joburg City
RESA vs Jomo Cosmos
Randburg AFC vs Kaizer Chiefs
Panorama FC vs Kathorus Hyper Academy
NWU Vaal FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Sunday Fixtures
East Rand Athletic Clubs vs SuperSport United
TS Galaxy vs Sevens Academy
Tuks vs School of Excellence
Wits Junior vs Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School
Highlands Park vs RESA
Joburg City vs Randburg AFC
Jomo Cosmos vs Panorama FC
Kaizer Chiefs vs NWU Vaal FC
Kathorus Hyper Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
