In-form Mamelodi Sundowns are set to play a Betway Premiership showdown on Saturday afternoon against third-placed Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld.
The shift now moves from the CAF Champions League – where they qualified to the group stages – back to domestic league duties, and they will look to continue with the winning streak when they host the Sea Robbers.
The two sides have already met twice this season, where the spoils were shared. They were separated by shootouts where the Pirates emerged as the victorious side. The last time they met at the hybrid pitch in Loftus Versfeld, however, Masandawana walked away with an emphatic 4-1 victory. Despite the past results, coach Miguel Cardoso has stated there has been development and growth from both sides, and he hopes for good playing conditions on the day.
“I think both teams have developed since then, so there are two things we will be putting on for sure on the pitch. I just wish that, in terms of safety that everything goes well. It’s such a big game. We need to be hopeful that we can have good conditions,” the coach said.
On preparing for this game, coach Miguel said that with the week they have had to prepare for the highly anticipated fixture, his side has been working on understanding their opponent better. Looking at both teams and the excitement they have brought to South African football, he looks forward to what he describes as a classic game.
“We all know that classic games like these are always looked at differently by the country. So, everything around the match preparation is different for the supporters, the media, and the PSL. Our job is to prepare the same way, which is to try to understand how the opponent has developed. I hope the coaches and players will be ready to give the country a show,” the Portugal-born tactician said.
Coach Miguel concluded by emphasising the important role the Yellow Nation will play in this encounter. He said: “The team takes the home matches and the support seriously. Playing at home in general allows us to want to perform at the highest level. I hope that Mamelodi Sundowns supporters will come in numbers, so that we have that 12th man.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will do host Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off is scheduled for 15H30, live on Supersport TV and SABC Sports.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUBS’ WEBSITE.
