15 March 2018 – The SAFA ABC League is headed towards a mouth-watering finish. The Free State edition sees the top four clubs all still in contention for the coveted title. Mangaung Unite (49 points), Tshiame All Stars (46), BFN Young Tigers (45) and Bloemfontein Celtic FC (43) are in an exciting four-way battle after 21 rounds.

This Saturday will see Unite tackle African Warriors away at the Charles Mopeli Stadium while All Stars host relegation threatened Free State Stars at the Platberg Stadium. Tigers, who have the best defensive record, are away to a tough Kingston FC at the Clive Solomons Stadium and Celtic then entertain Central University at Westdene Stadium.

The most intriguing fixture though seems to be the relegation scrap between Young Masters FC and DLA2 FC at the Phuthaditjhaba Stadium. DLA2 will be the more desperate team being five points behind their rivals and nothing less than a victory will do if they are to save their troubled campaign.

The Gauteng leg is just as interesting with the likes of Maccabi FC and JDR Stars vying for top spot. The former currently leads proceedings with 51 points from 25 games while Stars are 3 points behind with a game in hand. They will be hoping to catch up this weekend in their home match against Dube Continental at Pilditch Stadium while Maccabi travel to Sinaba to take on Leruma United.

Kwa-Zulu Natal is also heating up quite nicely with Umvoti seeming to be running away with the title. The club have 55 points from 22 games with 17 wins and a single defeat. IAshley United who are 8 points behind (having played a game extra) are away to Happy Wanderers in Port Shepstone.

The relegation battle sees KwaMashu All Stars (10 points) and Drakensburg FC (9 points) occupy the two bottom places. Only a miracle can save these teams from the drop as the end of the season looms.

Limpopo also has some fascinating match-ups this weekend with a three-way relegation scrap on the horizon and a race to see just who can catch the trailblazing Dolphins FC.

The Bochum based team host second placed Boyne Tigers at the Ben Serake Grounds in what should be classic top-of-the-table clash. Dolphins have accumulated 61 points after 26 games while Tigers are 9 points adrift making Friday’s match a must-win encounter.

Joe Maweja (22 points), Tshakhuma Tsha Mazivhandila (21) and Giyani Hotspurs (20) are all fighting for points at the other end of the table.

Not to be outdone, the Mpumalanga stream will dish up  a top-two encounter for the ages as well this Friday as Phiva Young Stars FC  who are on 65 points from 25 matches take on TS sporting who have amassed 57 from 25 outings and still have a mathematical chance of pipping the leaders to te title.

At the other end, Secunda Stars FC will be going all out for their fixture against Witbank Cityl ads FC and hoping to climb out of last place.