Preview: Orbit College vs Mamelodi Sundowns – prediction, team news, lineups

Two months since ditching Orbit College for Mamelodi Sundowns, Monnapule Saleng is set to face his ex-side as the Brazilians visit the relegation-threated side in a PSL encounter at Olympia Park on Tuesday.

Sundowns are heavy favourites to win and go three points clear of Orlando Pirates while Obirt College are hoping to pull off a surprise and avenge a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture in January.

Match preview

Mamelodi Sundowns are the form team of the PSL as they have won their last six league games to move level on 44 points with PSL leaders Orlando Pirates with only goal difference separating them.

Sundowns started their six-game winning run in the league with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College in January and since then, a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United has followed before a statement 2-1 triumph over Pirates.

AmaZulu FC, Sekhukhune again and Golden Arrows have been the next victims to be crushed by the Sundowns machine and Orbit College have their work cut out even if they will be playing at home.

In between, however, Sundowns lost to Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League and also to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup while there were draws against the Sudanese giants and St Eloi Lupopo in the continental competition.

That cannot give Orbit College hope because the draws and defeats were against a higher calibre opposition, meaning Pogiso Makhoye’s team will have to be at their best to get something from the game.

Miguel Cardoso’s team have so far played 19 matches, won 13, drawn five and lost just one, the defeat coming against Golden Arrows in September.

They have scored 32 goals, the most in the PSL, and let in 10, just bettered by Pirates, who have conceded eight, and have been buoyed by the return to form of their players like Iqraam Rayners, who has scored in his last three games, Marcelo Allende and Jayden Adams.

Meanwhile, Orbit College, who were promoted to the PSL this season, are looking to put a dent in Sundowns’ title charge as the Brazilians look for a ninth straight league crown.

However, their form is not inspiring as they have just one win in their last 10 games across all competitions. That victory came against TS Galaxy, who they beat 2-1 on March 3, nearly two months since beating Magesi FC 3-1, before a run of eight defeats and two draws followed.

In the PSL, Orbit College have won just five of their 20 matches, losing 12 and drawing three. They have scored 16 goals, same as sixth-placed Kaizer Chiefs, but conceded 33, the most in the league, to leave them in 15^th position with 18 points.

However, with Marumo Gallants in 14^th with 18 points, Chippa United in 13^th with 19 points and 12^th-placed Golden Arrows on 21 points, a good run could get Orbit College out of the drop zone.

Orbit College PSL form: WDLDLL

Orbit College form (all competitions): WDLLDL

Mamelodi Sundowns PSL form: WWWWWW

Mamelodi Sundowns form (all competitions): WWWLWW

Team News

Orbit College played Sundowns when Monnapule Saleng had just left them but he arrived at Chloorkop nursing an injury and therefore did not face his ex-team.

However, the former Orlando Pirates winger is now fit and available and after coming off the bench in the win against Sekhukhune, he could be handed a start with coach Miguel Cardoso having one eye on Friday’s CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Stade Malien.

Orbit College have no suspensions or fresh injury concerns with only Katlego Cwinyane likely to miss out as he continues to recover from a long-term injury.

Meanwhile, besides unleashing Saleng on his ex-side, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is likely to go with Dennis Onyango in goal, with the likes of Themba Zwane, Lebo Mothiba and Tsiki Ntsabeleng among fringe players who could start.

Cardoso will, however, be without the suspended Jayden Adams, while Mothobi Mvala, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Bathusi Aubaas, Keanu Cupido and Thapelo Morena have injury concerns.

Orbit College possible starting lineup

Chibwe; Vilakazi, Jingana, Onyango, Mkhabela; Potsana, Motshwari, Kapinga; Mabele, Khoto, Lukhele

Mamelodi Sundowns possible starting lineup

Onyango; Mudau, Basadien, Khoza, Ndamane; Aubaas, Allende, Santos; Saleng, Matthews, Shalulile

We say: Orbit Colle 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns’ form has been so impressive and after wins against Sekhukhune, Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates along the way, it hard to see how Orbit College will stop this well-oiled machine.

The only reason why the score line could be lower is that Cardoso will likely make a number of changes with some fringe players set to start.