The Betway Premiership race is heating up, and Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to tighten their grip at the top when they face Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this Wednesday. Kick-off is set for 7:30 PM CAT, and with both teams in fine form, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Sundowns are aiming to stretch their lead to 15 points over second-placed Orlando Pirates, while Sekhukhune United, currently third, are determined to stay in the fight for a top-three finish. With both sides coming off impressive wins, this is set to be a fiercely contested battle.
Current Form: Momentum on Both Sides
Sundowns come into this game in red-hot form, bouncing back strongly from their shock defeat to TS Galaxy in early February. Since then, they have won two consecutive league matches, netting seven goals while conceding just twice.
Despite their dominance, they know that Pirates—who have three games in hand—are still within striking distance. A win against Sekhukhune would further strengthen their position and keep them on course for yet another league title.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United are also riding a wave of confidence. Their 1-0 victory over Chippa United last weekend saw them climb to third place in the standings. Like Sundowns, Babina Noko have won their last two league fixtures and are eager to prove they can compete with the best. A home win against the league leaders would be a massive statement and could set them up for a strong finish to the season.
Team News: Key Players Returning for Both Sides
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns will have to do without their midfield maestro, Themba Zwane, who is still recovering from injury. However, head coach Miguel Cardoso has reassured fans that Zwane should return before the end of the season.
On the bright side, both Tashreeq Matthews and Grant Kekana will be available again after serving suspensions. Their return is a boost for Sundowns’ squad depth, especially with the team facing a hectic fixture schedule in the coming weeks.
However, Bathusi Aubaas remains a doubt after picking up an injury against TS Galaxy. If he is unavailable, Cardoso will have to reshuffle his midfield setup.
Sekhukhune United
Sekhukhune should have a full squad available, barring Njabulo Ncobo, who is still nursing an injury. Lehlohonolo Seema’s side has been well-drilled this season, and with their best players fit, they will feel confident about challenging the league leaders.
What the Coaches Are Saying
●The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns is Miguel Cardoso says!!!
The Sundowns boss knows the importance of maintaining momentum:
*“We need to continue working on recovering our players as best as we can, because we have a tough schedule ahead. We must stay focused, keep winning games, and make sure we have enough points to win the league in the end.Lot of games are still to be watched.
His words suggest that Sundowns are taking nothing for granted despite their commanding lead in the league.
●The head coach of Sekhukhune F.C(Lehlohonolo Seema).
Seema, on the other hand, is full of belief that his side can cause an upset:
●The aim is for us to win this match.They are coming to our backyard. We lost the first leg, but we are more than capable of getting the three points this time.”*
With Sekhukhune’s strong home record, Seema will hope his side can use their familiar surroundings to unsettle Sundowns.
Players to Watch: Game-Changers on Both Sides
●The main player to be watched is (Lucas Ribeiro Costa).
The Brazilian forward has been in sensational form this season, leading the PSL goal-scoring charts with 10 goals in 16 league appearances. His ability to find space, finish clinically, and link up with teammates makes him Sundowns’ biggest attacking threat.
Sekhukhune’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain Ribeiro Costa, who has proven to be a match-winner time and time again. If he gets going, it could be a long night for the home side.
Sekhukhune United – Linda Mntambo
On the other side, Linda Mntambo has been the heart of Sekhukhune’s midfield this season. With four goals and one assist, the experienced playmaker has been instrumental in driving his team forward.
Mntambo’s ability to control possession, make late attacking runs, and deliver key passes will be crucial if Sekhukhune hope to break down Sundowns’ defense. If he can influence the game, Babina Noko could have a real chance of causing an upset.
Key Match Factors: What Will Decide the Game?
1. Sundowns’ Ruthlessness in Front of Goal
Sundowns have been scoring freely in recent matches, and their attacking trio of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, and Peter Shalulile has been devastating. If they continue to be clinical, Sekhukhune’s defense will have a difficult time keeping them out.
2. Sekhukhune’s Defensive Organization
Sekhukhune’s defensive discipline has been key to their recent success. They will need to be compact, well-organized, and resilient to prevent Sundowns from dictating the game. Any defensive lapses will be punished immediately.
3. Midfield Battle: Mntambo vs. Sundowns’ Playmakers
Linda Mntambo will need to dominate midfield and disrupt Sundowns’ rhythm if Sekhukhune wants to control the tempo. Sundowns, on the other hand, will look to their midfield trio to dictate play and stretch the game. Whoever wins this battle will likely dictate the outcome.
4. Sekhukhune’s Home Advantage
Playing at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Sekhukhune will look to use their home support to their advantage. They have been tough to beat on home soil, and if they can capitalize on this, they might just push Sundowns to their limits.
●Final Thoughts: Can Sekhukhune Stun the League Leaders?**
On paper, Sundowns are clear favorites. Their superior squad depth, attacking firepower, and winning mentality make them the **stronger side. However, *Sekhukhune have shown they are no pushovers*, and with their recent form, they will believe they **can take something from this game.
Leave a Reply