Mamelodi Sundowns are coming off yet another unsatisfactory result, but a victory against Sekhukhune United in Tuesday’s Betway Premiership match in Polokwane could significantly alter their season’s trajectory.
Sundowns were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at home by Sudan’s Al-Hilal on Friday at Loftus Versfeld. Disturbing scenes followed as fan discontent towards sporting director Flemming Berg escalated, resulting in an unidentified liquid being thrown at him.
Nevertheless, Orlando Pirates’ subsequent 0-0 stalemate with Sekhukhune United on Saturday allowed Sundowns to end the weekend at the top of the Betway Premiership, albeit on goal difference with one additional match played compared to the Buccaneers.
While it may be argued that Sundowns do not fully control their destiny in their title defense, a win against Sekhukhune on Tuesday could place the Brazilians three points ahead, increasing the pressure on Pirates as they approach their next two games in hand.
Sekhukhune demonstrated their capability to be a tough opponent when performing at their best, with goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and center-back Bright Ndlovu particularly standing out.
However, head coach Eric Tinkler expressed his concerns regarding their inconsistency. Sekhukhune had lost their previous encounter 1-0 to Stellenbosch, and Tinkler urged his team to emulate Sundowns’ approach.
“Sundowns don’t secure the league title merely by defeating Pirates, Chiefs, and us. They clinch the league by ensuring they triumph over teams like Richards Bay, Magesi, Marumo Gallants, etc.,” Tinkler informed reporters.
“That is the challenge we face because all our unfavorable results have come against teams at the lower end – Stellies, Chippa, Siwelele, Magesi – those are the matches where we have failed to earn maximum points.”
Sekhukhune currently occupies the fifth position in the standings, just three points behind Sundowns, who have a game in hand over them.
Key details
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30pm CAT (5:30pm GMT)
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
How to watch: The match is set to be broadcast on SuperSport’s DSTV channel 202.
Team news
Miguel Cardoso has made significant rotations in his squad recently, with young left-back Thato Sibiya being a notable beneficiary. Cardoso acknowledged that the 19-year-old had to be substituted due to fatigue following a strong showing against Al-Hilal.
However, Fawaaz Basadien’s lackluster performance off the bench suggests that Sibiya has likely secured his position ahead of the former Stellies defender in the lineup.
Bathusi Aubaas has fallen out of favor with Sundowns, having last played for Masandawana on Nov. 1 in a 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates. Expected lineups
Sekhukhune United
GK Renaldo Leaner
LWB Vuyo Letlapa | CB Daniel Cardoso | CB Bright Ndlovu | CB Trésor Yamba | RWB Mokete Mogaila
CM Lebo Phiri | CM Siphesihle Mkhize
LW Keletso Makgalwa | ST Bradley Grobler | RW Vusimuzi Mncube
Mamelodi Sundowns
GK Ronwen Williams
LB Thato Sibiya | CB Grant Kekana | CB Malibongwe Khoza | RB Khuliso Mudau
CM Marcelo Allende | CM Teboho Mokoena
LW Tashreeq Matthews | AM Nuno Santos | RW Arthur Sales
ST Brayan León
Stats
Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered only one loss in regulation time across all competitions this season (1-0 to Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership).
Arthur Sales has recorded three goals and one assist in his last 276 minutes of play for Mamelodi Sundowns.
