DOWNS, CHIEFS IN TITANIC CLASH
Mamelodi Sundowns will lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in a titanic Absa Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
The Brazilians recorded their second consecutive league victory when they defeated Platinum Stars 1-0 thanks to Khama Billiat’s goal at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium a fortnight ago.
As a result, Sundowns are placed fifth on the league standings with nine points from five games. They are six points behind the leader Baroka FC, who have played seven games.
Meanwhile, Chiefs saw their four-match unbeaten streak in the league come to end when they lost 2-1 to Baroka at the Moses Mabhida Stadium two weeks ago.
George Maluleka netted for Amakhosi, who are placed sixth on the league standings with nine points from seven games. They are three points behind fourth-placed Orlando Pirates.
Possible starting line-ups:
Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, Langerman, Madisha, Arendse, Kekana, Mabunda, Lebese, Zwane, Vilakazi, Tau.
Chiefs: Khune, Cardoso, Ngezana, Mathoho, Zulu, Katsande, Maluleke, Ekstein, Tshabalala, Jayiya, Parker.
Head-to-Head
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2012/13 Chiefs 2-1 Sundowns Nkosi, Nkhatha; Daniels
2012/13 Sundowns 0-0 Chiefs
2013/14 Sundowns 0-1 Chiefs Arendse (og)
2013/14 Chiefs 0-1 Sundowns Modise
2014/15 Chiefs 1-1 Sundowns Lebese; Modise
2014/15 Sundowns 0-1 Chiefs Parker
2015/16 Chiefs 0-0 Sundowns
2015/16 Sundowns 3-1 Chiefs Castro, Nthethe (pen), Katsande (og); Gordinho
2016/17 Sundowns 2-1 Chiefs Langerman, Vilakazi; Mphahlele
2016/17 Chiefs 2-1 Sundowns Parker, Soumahoro (og); Billiat
LEAGUE RECORD(since 1985)
Home P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 32 15 8 9 36 26
Chiefs 32 17 10 5 47 22
Away P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 32 5 10 17 22 47
Chiefs 32 9 8 15 26 36
Total P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 64 20 18 26 58 73
Chiefs 64 26 18 20 73 58
WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING
Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane:
“It is a bit difficult for us, playing them after they lost to Baroka,” he said.
“I have seen a lot of correspondence from Chiefs that they need to turn it around, and that this is the time they need to stop conceding, and all those things,
“So, we are aware it will be difficult, but irrespective of that it always a big game (against Chiefs).”
Kaizer Chiefs defender Kgotso Moleko
“We find ourselves in this position because we have been unlucky but also sometimes it’s because of the lack of focus,” Moleko said.
“Lack of focus has let us down most of the time. We are trying to play good football, but sometimes things don’t go the way we want.
“If we can focus more, things will go well. It’s a mental thing. We need to be stronger, whether we are playing well or doing badly. If we can improve, we can turn things around,” he added.
“There is some improvement in certain aspects. We are working harder than we have been doing to try and get the required results.”
SUNDOWNS’ KEY PLAYERS
George Lebese: The winger is likely to face Chiefs for the first time since leaving Amakhosi for Sundowns two months ago. The 28-year-old attacker, who is blessed with an amazing technical ability, will be eager to haunt his former side.
Percy Tau: The forward has established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the Absa Premiership. The South Africa international has the ability to single-handedly inspire Sundowns to victory over Chiefs.
CHIEFS’ KEY PLAYERS
Itumeleng Khune: The veteran goalkeeper, who has been in top form, was recently named August and September Absa Premiership Player of the Month. The inspirational Chiefs captain will look to play an instrumental role in helping Amakhosi secure a win in Tshwane.
Siphiwe Tshabalala: The experienced midfielder remains Chiefs’ productive midfielder having netted two league goals this season. The 33-year-old attacker will be hoping to inspire his side to victory in a titanic encounter.
