The tactical battle takes center stage this week as Lamontville Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to face off, with the spotlight firmly on Manqoba Mngqithi.
In a fascinating twist, Mngqithi will be plotting against the Brazilians, the club he recently departed and where he served for 11 years.
Joining Abafana Bes’thende just two months after leaving Sundowns – who have since appointed the impressive Miguel Cardoso – Mngqithi’s intimate understanding of the Brazilians, accumulated since his arrival in 2014 under Pitso Mosimane, makes this a particularly compelling match-up.
RECENT FORM AND HEAD-TO-HEAD
Masandawana have been cruising nicely in the league, winning four matches on the trot to cement their place at the summit of the standings. In total, they have picked 18 wins and lost twice in 20 matches.
Cardoso’s troops have racked up 54 points thus far, and are the highest goal-scoring side in the league having found the back of the net on 47 occasions and conceded 11 times.
Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, have been inconsistent in their run winning five games, drawing five and losing six of 16 matches they have played so far.
The KZN side occupy 11th place on the table having accumulated 20 points in the process.
The league champions have held the upper hand in clashes with Golden Arrows. Out of 54 head-to-head matches, Sundowns have emerged victorious 30 times, more than double Arrows' 13 wins. Eleven games have concluded in draws.
This dominance was evident in their last encounter in February 2024, where Sundowns convincingly defeated Golden Arrows 4-0 at home in the first round.
TEAM NEWS
Arrows continue to miss the contributions of their reliable forward, Lungelo Nguse, as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are contending with a more extensive injury situation, with Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena, Divine Lunga, and Matias Esquivel among those currently sidelined.
STARTING XI’s
Arrows probable XI:
Watenga, Zwane, Shitolo, Phillips, Theron, Dube, Sibeko, Sibiya, Ndwandwe, Van Rooi, Cele
Sundowns probable XI:
February, Mudau, Khoza, Suarez, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Tiwani, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
WHERE TO WATCH, VENUE AND KO TIME
The match will take place at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale and will be broadcast on SuperSport TV with kickoff set for 19:30.
