What has been known for most part of the season is just one match away from being official as Mamelodi Sundowns need a single point to win an eight top-flight championship on the spin if results go their way tonight.
The Brazilians are in the Eastern Cape to confront Thabo September’s Chippa United in a bid to secure the Betway Premiership title with a single game to spare.
Downs are on 67 points while their closest chasers, Orlando Pirates are on 55 and can only reach a maximum of 67 points if they win their games against AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, SuperSport United and Magesi.
Here, Hollywoodbets Sports Blog brings you all the details of the encounter between Masandawana and the top-eight hopefuls Chilli Boys.
How to watch
Kick-off: 19:30
Venue: Buffalo City Stadium
TV channel: DStv channel 202
Digital viewing: Showmax and DStv Stream
Other: SABC radio stations will carry live commentary
Head-to-head
07/09/2022: Chippa United 0 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns
10/01/2023: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 – 1 Chippa United
19/08/2023: Chippa United 0 – 2 Mamelodi Sundowns
09/03/2024: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 – 0 Chippa United
07/05/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 Chippa United
Players to watch
As the season hurtles toward its conclusion, the standings are starting to solidify, with the battle at the summit almost as good as over, the fierce competition for mid-table glory is still very much alive while the looming threat of relegation all taking shape.
Players, too, are making their final push to catch the eye of the selectors for the prestigious PSL awards. Among those tipped as a strong contender for Player of the Season is Mamelodi Sundowns’ dynamic star, Lucas Ribeiro.
The Brazilian marksman has been in sensational form, netting 14 goals in the league this season.
In his most recent outing, Ribeiro not only found the back of the net but also turned provider, setting up his partner in crime, Iqraam Rayners, for a well-crafted goal. If selected for today’s match, Ribeiro will be hungry to add to his tally, making him a constant threat that Chippa’s defenders will have to keep a close eye on.
Meanwhile, Rayners is also in hot pursuit of the PSL Golden Boot, trailing Ribeiro by just one goal with 13 to his name. If Cardoso calls on him again today, the forward will be eager to seize the opportunity and close the gap on his teammate.
What was said
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was in goals last time out against Stellies where he kept a clean sheet where he was substituted in the 82nd minute.
Onyango urges Downs to wrap up the league race and use the momentum to prepare for the upcoming Caf Champions League final. Sundowns will face Egyptian outfit Pyramids over two legs, the first on May 24 in the capital city.
“The task is to win the game and continue our journey because we know it is important to win the game and get much closer to the championship. We have to stay positive and not take anything for granted,” said Onyango.
“We are also building up to the final of the Caf Champions League so the more we win the more confident. We are not looking at who is behind us, we are only focused on winning the game and having the momentum going to the final,” Onyango added.
Recent form
Chippa United
05/04/2025: Golden Arrows 0 – 0 Chippa United
19/04/2025: Chippa United 0 – 0 Kaizer Chiefs
30/04/2025: Stellenbosch 1 – 0 Chippa United
03/05/2025: SuperSport United 2 – 0 Chippa United
07/05/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 Chippa United
Mamelodi Sundowns
19/04/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 0 – 0 Al Ahly
25/04/2025: Al Ahly 0 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns
30/04/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 Richards Bay
03/05/2025: Cape Town City 0 – 2 Mamelodi Sundowns
11/05/2025: Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 Stellenbosch
Betting tips
Chippa United 17/12 | Draw 32/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 1/3
The Brazilians have lost to the Chilli Boys twice since their maiden meeting in 2012, but Chippa are yet to beat Downs in the league as these two victories were in knockout cup competitions.
Sundowns beat Chippa 3-0 last time out, making them their doormat in the last five confrontations, scoring 10 goals versus United’s two strikes as the Brazilians have collected 15 points from these encounters.
However, Downs may be tempted to take the foot off the pedal, only just a bit, given that the league is theirs to lose. Cardoso could give some of his fringe players a run out as he would want to spare the legs of his regular starters for the Caf Champions League final against Pyramids.
This may be a window of opportunity for September’s side, who are looking to consolidate a top eight finish. Backing Chippa may just turn out to be the best option. To win on this and other matches, head over to Hollywoodbets.net.
