Soccer Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-29

Welcome back to the SportsPulse.com weekly DFS column, your ultimate guide to dominating DraftKings and FanDuel soccer slates! With recent action including Canada's disciplined 1-0 victory over South Africa and the intensity of AFCON, we've got some clear trends emerging. Let's dig into the data and set your lineups for success.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Thabo Maluleka (Mamelodi Sundowns): Maluleka is in red-hot form. The Sundowns' star midfielder has bagged 3 goals and an assist in his last two PSL appearances, showcasing his predatory instincts and creative flair. This week, Sundowns face a struggling Sekhukhune United defense that has conceded 7 goals in their last three outings. Maluleka is a lock for high shot volume and goal-scoring potential. 2. Liam O'Connell (Vancouver Titans): Following Canada's impressive clean sheet against South Africa, the defensive solidity of the Vancouver Titans' captain is undeniable. O'Connell is not just a defensive anchor; he also contributes significantly to the attack. He registered an assist last game from a perfectly weighted cross and averages 3 successful tackles per match. Expect another clean sheet bonus and potential offensive returns against a weaker opponent. 3. Kagiso Zulu (Orlando Pirates): Zulu is the engine of the Pirates' midfield and a consistent fantasy scorer. He's recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in his last three matches, often leading the team in key passes. His role on set pieces significantly boosts his floor, and facing a mid-table Golden Arrows side, Zulu is poised for another high-volume performance with ample opportunities to rack up points from crosses, shots, and potential goal contributions.

1. Ben Ncube (Kaizer Chiefs): Ncube has been misfiring lately, with 0 goals and just 2 shots on target in his last four matches. This week, the Chiefs face a formidable Mamelodi Sundowns defense that has conceded only 1 goal in their last four home games. Ncube's high salary on both platforms makes him a major risk for a low-output performance against such a strong opponent. Avoid. 2. Sipho Dlamini (SuperSport United): SuperSport United's defense has been leaky, conceding 4 goals in their last two fixtures. Dlamini, typically a reliable defender, has seen his defensive metrics dip, struggling with clearances and interceptions. They're up against an in-form Stellenbosch FC attack that has scored in every game this season. The likelihood of a clean sheet bonus is slim, making Dlamini an expensive bench warmer.

1. Ethan Roberts (Cape Town City): Priced near the minimum on DraftKings and FanDuel, Roberts is beginning to carve out a regular starting spot. The young midfielder scored a surprise goal last week and is showing increased confidence. He offers excellent salary relief and has a higher upside than his price suggests as his minutes continue to climb. 2. Junior Nkosi (Stellenbosch FC): This promising forward has broken into Stellenbosch's starting XI and has already netted 1 goal in his two starts. At a rock-bottom price, Nkosi is a pure goal-hunting differential. He's got pace and an eye for goal, making him a fantastic punt for GPPs if you need to free up salary for your elite players.

Keagan Petersen (AmaZulu FC - Goalkeeper): Most managers will shy away from Petersen as AmaZulu are significant underdogs against Orlando Pirates. However, Petersen is an elite shot-stopper, and the Pirates are known for their high-volume shooting. Even if AmaZulu concede one goal, Petersen could rack up an incredible number of

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