Mamelodi Sundowns host Orlando Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday with the clash set to give fans an indication of how the title race will pan out.
Sundowns have a six-point lead over Pirates although the Buccaneers have a game in hand and both sides know how vital the three points will be at the end of the season.
A win for Miguel Cardoso’s team could prove to be the turning point in the season as it would open up a nine-point lead but Pirates have a chance to close it to six and still with a match to spare which would make for a fascinating title race.
Ahead of the top of the table clash, here are some of things to expect.
Few goals
Matches between Sundowns and Pirates rarely produce many goals and this is due to the fact that both teams have very tight defences that are not easy to breach and this likely to be the case on Saturday.
Even though Sundowns have scored seven goals in their last two games, they know it will be difficult against Pirates, who have allowed in just six goals this season, and looking at their recent meetings, only their last encounter, the Nedbank Cup final last June, had three goals as the Soweto giants won 2-1.
The match had been preceded by four games where either one goal had been scored or it ended goalless and the same is likely to happen unless either team has a rare off day.
Ribeiro’s cleverness
Few players decide a match like Sundowns’ playmaker Lucas Ribeiro and he is the man Jose Riveiro’s team need to stop first, even if the Brazilians are loaded with many talented stars.
Ribeiro has 10 goals and nine assists in all competitions this season and his last two games have seen him make life difficult for opposing defenders and Pirates must be prepared fully for what he brings.
Mofokeng’s dynamism
While Pirates watch over Ribeiro, Sundowns will also have to keep an eye on the Bucs’ 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng.
The youngster has eight goals and 11 assists, proving that he is adept at scoring and creating, and his importance to Pirates cannot be overemphasised.
Mofokeng’s pace, eye for a killer pass and ability to get into tight spaces should give Sundowns problems as he is the type of player who will lurk around for long only to spring a surprise.
Sundowns need no introduction as they have already felt his sting when he scored a last-minute winner in the Nedbank Cup final last season.
Title decider?
This could be the game that shapes the title race as Sundowns can open up a nine-point lead and it would be over for Pirates who can also win and make a massive statement of intent.
Overall, it is Pirates who have a lot to prove as Sundowns can still lose and be okay but a win for the Buccaneers will suggest they are ready to dine with the big boys after many years of struggle in the league.
Raucous atmosphere
Already sold-out a week ago, both sets of teams can expect a great atmosphere, something Sundowns rarely get at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
While Pirates have been getting a full house in most matches this season, Sundowns are yet to enjoy playing in a sold-out stadium at home and can enjoy the atmosphere on Saturday which will add onto the motivation.
Both sides will not want to let their fans down and that means bringing out their ‘A-Game’ for the supporters in the stands and those watching on TV.
