Mamelodi Sundowns are set for another high-profile Premier Soccer League fixture on Saturday against Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
While Masandawana are chasing their eighth PSL crown, the Glamour Boys are struggling to get into the top positions which will guarantee them a place in the Caf Competitions next season.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
In the entire season, Masandawana have lost just two games from the 19 they have played. As a result, they are on top of the table with 51 points, 15 more than Orlando Pirates who are second, and 26 more than eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
The Glamour Boys have been blowing hot and cold; they have seven wins, as many losses, and four draws from the 18 games played in the ongoing campaign.
In the head-to-head record, Sundowns have won eight of the last ten games across all competitions, with the remaining two ending in draws. This season, the teams have already met twice, with the Brazilians claiming victories in both instances.
What They Said
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso insists Sundowns are not the favourites despite their recent form.
“In me there is no lack of ambition, never. If I take the tag of favourites in this match, I will be passing the energy to my players and they don’t need that. There are no favourites when the whistle starts,” the tactician said ahead of the game.
“You go there to show what you have and in the end that’s when you say you were favourites, but not before the match. I want the right attitude from the beginning. If you give 100% you can win everything and if you give 99% you can lose everything; you can lose because of that 1%. If I allow the players not to give 100% it will give me discomfort because I always want my players to be at their best.
“I want that without pressure, just to understand by themselves how they need to be and that is what has been happening,” he concluded.
Amakhosi defender Inacio Miguel insists a win this weekend might help in turning the club's fortunes around.
“A win it would change everything after a bad result like last week, if we come with a win we won’t be thinking about it,” the Angola international told the media.
“Okay yes we take things game by game of course, but it will give us the confidence we’re looking for after a heavy loss last week. But we are remaining focused on things game by game, for the moment now, we work hard to prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns, do our best, and move forward.”
Team News and Starting XI
Sundowns are set to be without their first and second-choice goalkeepers; Ronwen Williams is injured while Denis Onyango is suspended alongside versatile defender Aubrey Modiba.
Amakhosi will have to do without the services of Gaston Sirino who is suspended. Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez are still nursing injuries.
Sundowns Probable XI: February, Kekana, Morena, Suarez, Lunga, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
Chiefs Probable XI: Bvuma, Miguel, Dortley, Frosler, Dove, Cele, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Mmodi, Lilepo, Morris
Where to Watch
The game will be live on SuperSport's Premier Soccer League channel 202 from 15.30h SAT.
