by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – THREE players have emerged the early season pacesetters as goals make a welcome return to the ABSA Premiership, the continent’s most lucrative league.
Prolific Kaizer Chiefs forward, Khama Billiat, and his fellow Zimbabwean striker, Evans Rusike of Supersport United, lead the race with three goals apiece alongside Tshegofatso Mabaso of surprise package, Bloemfontein Celtic.
This past weekend, 21 goals were scored, representing major shift from dearth of scorers the league is infamous for.
They were scored across eight fixtures with Chiefs the most productive in front of goal, in a 4-1 win over hosts Cape Town City.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Amazulu played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in KwaZulu-Natal.
Four goals were scored at the Orlando Stadium where Pirates dismissed bogey side Supersport United 3-1.
Only the match Bidvest Wits, log leaders, and Maritzburg United, bottom of the log, failed to produce goals.
The full set of midweek fixtures will determine if Wits, with 13 points, maintain their position ahead of Celtic who have the same number of points but have a game in hand.
Wits open the weekend’s action against Polokwane City at Bidvest Stadium in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Friday.
On Saturday, third-placed Orlando Pirates travel to Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
In the other fixtures on the day, Golden Arrows host Chippa United at Princess Magogo in Durban while Kaizer Chiefs welcome Amazulu to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Second bottom Free State Stars entertain Highlands Park at Goble Park in Bethlehem.
On Sunday, SuperSport are at home to Black Leopards at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane.
Celtic entertain Maritzburg United at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
FRIDAY
Bidvest Wits Vs Polokwane City, Bidvest Stadium (20h00)
SATURDAY
Baroka FC Vs Orlando Pirates, Peter Mokaba Stadium (15h00)
Golden Arrows Vs Chippa United, Princess Magogo Stadium (15h00)
Kaizer Chiefs Vs AmaZulu FC, FNB Stadium (18h00)
Free State Stars Vs Highlands Park, Goble Park (20h15)
SUNDAY
SuperSport United Vs Black Leopards, Lucas Moripe Stadium (15h00)
Bloem Celtic Vs Maritzburg United, Dr Molemela Stadium (15h00).
– CAJ News
