Mamelodi Sundowns will be away against Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League fixture scheduled for Saturday.
The last time Amakhosi defeated Masandawana was in April 2021; since then, they have not managed a win in the last nine games across all competitions. The last meeting at the FNB Stadium ended 5-1 in favour of the Brazilians.
However, the Soweto giants have started the season strongly, winning their last two league games, the same as the defending champions.
Sirino, Chivaviro, and Shabalala the main threat?
Masandawana coach Manqoba Mngqithi is wary of the threat posed by Gaston Sirino, Ranga Chivaviro, and Mduduzi Shabalala.The trio has already scored for Amakhosi this season and have been performing well on the pitch.
“I think we should go to this match with a lot of respect and humility. It’s still too early for anyone to start thinking we have found our grove,” Mngqithi said in a presser.
“The way Chiefs have started, their transitions, and the players they have up front, Gaston is very important for them, Chivaviro is also very important for them and I must also say the young [Mduduzi] Shabalala has stamped his authority.
“When you go to this match without respecting the threat that the opponents also present, you will be naive or ignorant.”
Nabi lauded for his impact
Coach Nasreddine Nabi joined the Glamour Boys in July and his impact has already been felt. It explains why Mngqithi is anticipating a tough clash.
“We are going to this match knowing very well it will be an interesting match. We are playing against a very good team, and a team that is also well-supported. You have to have a bit of humility when you go into a match like this one.
“I must also commend the work coach Nabi has done with the team. In a very short space of time the team looks very dangerous,” he concluded.
