Sundowns vs SuperSport: Preview, line-ups, time & where to watch

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

The reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to defend their league title as they pursue an eighth consecutive championship this season.

Last season, they set multiple records, marking what may be their most successful campaign in league history.

Notably, they clinched the league with a remarkable 23-point lead over the second-placed team and established a new points record of 73.

They open the campaign with the Tshwane derby, against SuperSport United who are still rebuilding the team under the leadership of the veteran coach Gavin Hunt.

Matsatsantsa fell short of their objectives last season, which included securing a spot in a CAF competition, either the Champions League or the Confederation Cup.

Having strengthened their squad somewhat, the Swanky Boys will be looking to bounce back stronger this campaign.

Sundowns vs SuperSport: Preview, line-ups, time & where to watch
Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales – Photo by Mamelodi Sundowns

Head-to-head

Historically, Masandawana have dominated the Tshwane derby, proving to be a formidable force against their crosstown rivals.

In the last five matches, Bafana Ba Style claimed victory three times, while SuperSport won once and the remaining match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Recent form

While other PSL clubs eagerly awaited the start of the Betway Premiership, both Sundowns and SuperSport participated in the MTN8.

Sundowns were eliminated in the semifinals by Stellenbosch FC, losing 2-0 on aggregate over two legs. SuperSport also faced early exit, losing 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s side on Saturday bounced back, hammering Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Comments ahead of the match

Speaking ahead of the match, Sundowns utility player Aubrey Modiba says it doesn't matter that SuperSport haven't played a competitive match for some time. He feels Matsatsantsa will put up a big fight as they always do in the Tshwane derby.

“It's about bragging rights in Pretoria, it's not going to be easy,” said Modiba. “It's going to be a tough one but we are ready for the task. They haven't played for a long time, but that doesn't. It's a derby, derbies are special.

“What I like about Tshwane derby is goals every season, it shows the importance of the game and how much both teams want to win.”

SuperSport midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu raised his concerns about the players they are missing because of injuries. This includes Bradley Grobler and Grant Margeman.

“We are kind of limping because of injuries encountered recently of which it’s negative for us,” said Ndlovu

“But attitude will be the difference in this encounter, it has always been.”

Sundowns vs SuperSport: Preview, line-ups, time & where to watch
Siphesihle Ndlovu – Photo by SuperSport United

Possible line-ups

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Lebusa, Mokoena, Allende, Maboe, Zwane, Ribeiro, Sales

SuperSport: Goss, Mobbie, Rapoo, Sanoka, Hlatshwayo, Poggenpoel, Moralo, Ayer, Pule, Dzukamanja, Mahlangu

Time and where to watch

The match will be played on Tuesday, 17 September at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 19:30 pm.

It will be televised on SuperSport PSL and Showmax Premier League.

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.