Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United preview

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Sekhukhune United on Saturday November 30.

Sundowns' return from the international break has not been positive following defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final last Saturday before a drub goalless draw with Maniema Union from DR Congo in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has remained positive amidst the poor results, against teams his side should have easily beaten, but further questions will be raised if they fail to get maximum points against Sekhukhune.

Form guide

Kutlwano Letlhaku, Mamelodi Sundowns — Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

The Brazilians had won four straight matches before the international break, scoring 11 goals without conceding, but let in two against Magesi in the cup final.

Cape Town City, Kaizer Chiefs, Polokwane City and Marumo Gallants were the teams that fell to Sundowns over that period and Mngqithi and his men will feel that Sekhukhune falls in that category.

Sundowns will also be encouraged by the fact that Babina Noko have won just four of their 10 games across all competitions and out of those, three have been in the league to leave them seventh on the table.

Their form coming into the game has not also been good, having lost three and won just one of their last four.

Head-to-head

What will add to Sundowns' motivation is that Sekhukhune are one of teams that they do not struggle against as in six meetings, the Brazilians have won five with one ending in a draw.

In that period, Sundowns have also scored 11 goals while letting in just three.

What have they said?

Mngqithi missed chances in their goalless draw with Maniema Union and will be hoping that his side find their shooting boots on Saturday as they will move level on 21 points with leader Orlando Pirates if they win.

“The rest of the squad played very well. Had we taken our chances, we would not be talking of anything in this match to be honest,” he said.

Team news

Will Mbule ever come back to Sundowns? Mngqithi responds — Sipho Mbule – Photo by Sekhukhune United

Mngqithi did not experience fresh injury setbacks in their midweek match and will field a strong squad having said that he is close to finding his best XI.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune will not be able to field midfielder Sipho Mbule, who is on loan at the club from Sundowns, but could perhaps provide some ‘inside information' that could help Babina Noko in the match.