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

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Preview: Orbit College vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Prediction, team news, lineups
Image - Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns are aware they have to collect maximum points on Tuesday night against Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium in their bid to successfully defend their crown.

Orlando Pirates, who have finished second in the last three seasons, are on 44 points, but their better goal difference puts them above Masandawana.

Just like the Brazilians who are desperate for maximum points to get closer to the Premier Soccer League, Orbit College are 15th on the table with 18 points, just three more than bottom-placed Magesi.

The Mswenko Boys can’t afford dropping more points if they are to sustain their status.

Match Preview

In the January transfer window, Orbit College lost one of their influential players, Monnapule Saleng, who was serving them, albeit on loan from Orlando Pirates. The versatile attacker had managed two goals and three assists in the 13 matches he had played for the Premier Soccer League Newbies.

Saleng will now, most probably, start against his former team, having nothing in mind but to help the Brazilians get maximum points. However, it will be emotional to contribute to his former team’s probable relegation.

Orbit College ended their 10-match winless run across all competitions on Tuesday, March 3, by beating TS Galaxy 2-1. However, it will be interesting to see if they can avenge the 2-0 loss suffered in the last meeting with the defending champions.

Monnapule Saleng training at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Monnapule Saleng training at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso finally managed to get a breather after the initial struggles that almost saw him get fired by the unforgiving management.

It is impressive how they have bounced back to go level on points with Pirates, having won seven Premier Soccer League games in a row. They have scored the most goals in the league, 32, and have the second-best defense, having allowed just 10 goals past them. Only Bucs have the best rear guard having allowed just eight.

Coincidentally, Orbit College have the worst defense in the PSL, having allowed 33 goals in the 20 matches played.

Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena celebrate a goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrating a goal

Orbit College PSL form

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Orbit College form in all competitions

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Sundowns PSL form

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Sundowns form in all competitions

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Team News

Pirates product Katlego Cwinyane is set to continue recovering, meaning he will not be available for the hosts. As a matter of fact, he has not played for the club since joining them in December from Orbit Colelge.

With no suspension, the Mswenko Boys will definitely be aiming at causing an upset, with the likes of Gomolemo Khoto and Lesedi Kapinga motivated after scoring in the 2-1 win over TS Galaxy a week ago.

Sundowns will have to do without the services of the suspended Jayden Adams who was sent off in the 2-1 win over Golden Arrows.

The visitors will also need to check their discipline as Teboho Mokoena, Brayan Leon, Aubrey Modiba, Jayden Adams, Keanu Cupido, Nuno Santos, and Khuliso Mudau are all a caution away from suspension.

Nevertheless, they are surely hoping the healthy competition in attack will see the likes of Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners get more goals. The former might start as coach Cardoso is wary of injuries ahead of the CAF Champions League quarter-final fixture against Stade Malien.

Mamelodi Sundowns Iqraam Rayners and Marcello Allende celebrate at Club World Cup. Photo Imago
Marcelo Allende and Iqraam Rayners celebrating Mamelodi Sundowns goal

Orbit College Possible XI:

Chibwe, Vilakazi, Mkhabela, Onyango, Jingana, Motshwari, Potsana, Mabela, Kapinga, Khoto, Lukhele

Sundowns possible XI:

Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Ndamane, Kekana, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Saleng, Sales, Rayners

We Say: Orbit College 0-3 Mamelodi Sundowns

This is the worst time for Orbit College to play Sundowns whose players are battling for a starting berth. They have been scoring for fun in the last couple of matches while it has been the opposite for Mswenko Boys.

Richards Bay FC player in action
Richards Bay FC player in action vs Orbit College. Photo credit: Richards Bay FC/Facebook

The hosts have been allowing goals, as defenders struggle to keep pace with the rival teams’ attackers.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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