17 November 2017 – There is a pulsating cat and mouse battle ensuing in the ABC Motsepe League in the Free State, with Tshiame All Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic battling it out for top spot every weekend.

This week it is Tshiame who are top after beating Central University 2-0. That has made it their sixth win of the season after seven matches, putting them at the top with 19 points.

Celtic, who come in second place are refusing to give up on top spot despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kovsies. This means Celtic have now drawn twice this season and recording five wins in their first seven matches.

While the battle is mainly between the two teams at the top, Mangaung United and Bloemfontein Young Tigers are refusing to give up, sitting third and fourth respectively as they chase the table toppers.

Western Cape is another province with a tightly contested season, as ACE FC, Glendene United, HBU FC and Steenberg United all show their strength at the top.

It is ACE who are at the top this week on 19 points from eight matches, while Glendene, HBU and Steenberg are close by, with the three sides on 16 points.

In Limpopo, a single point separates top placed Ndengeza FC and Boyne Tigers. In fact, the only difference there could be that Boyne have played just six matches, while Ndengeza have played seven.  As things stand, Ndengeza are leading the race and that is because of their 3-1 thrashing of The Dolphins, while Boyne Tigers too could not be outdone, beating Magezi FC 3-1.

Four teams in Gauteng are also making things interesting, as JDR Stars, African All Stars and Baberwa FC are pushing leaders Maccabi FC to the limit.

Maccabi emerged as 2-0 victors over Alexandra Black Aces to hold on to top spot with 20 points after nine matches, while JDR beat Alexandra United 2-1 to move to 18 points and put pressure on Maccabi.

Both African All Stars and Baberwa are third and fourth on 16 points. Baberwa actually suffered their first loss of the season to Swallows FC.

Natal United are the current leaders of the KwaZulu Natal ABC Motsepe League with 13 points from six matches following their 3-1 win over Happy Wanderers. They are followed in second place Umvoti, whose 2-1 loss to Durban FC sees them remain on 12 points after five matches.

Buya Msuthu lead in the North West with nine points from three matches after their 3-0 win over Makapanstad Rovers, while Polokwane City Rovers are second on the log after their 3-0 win over Phatsima All Stars.

The Eastern Cape is currently in the control of Mthatha City, who have eight points in five matches, while EC Bees are second with the same number of points having played one match less.