PSL Legends Jerry Sikhosana and Teko Modise look ahead to Wednesday night’s highly-anticipated clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium.
With an unblemished record spanning more than a year in the league, Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing for what could be their toughest test so far in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership.
Their Wednesday night clash against 9th Orlando Pirates comes as they strive to uphold a perfect start to the season, having emerged victorious in all six matches played thus far, showcasing remarkable determination along the way.
With so much anticipation to the game at the nearly sold-out Orlando Stadium, all eyes will be watching if or not the Mighty Bucs will be able to halt a Mamelodi Sundowns side who are seemingly running away with the lead at the summit of the log.
The Pirates camp has been rather vocal in the build-up to this game – with captain Innocent Maela giving Sundowns their flowers but also warning that the Sea Robbers are inching closer to their level.
But the topic of whether Pirates are any closer to challenging the Brazilians has been dividing Mzansi football fans and analysts for years, including two of former Bafana Bafana’s greatest players – Teko Modise and Jerry Sikhosana who both share contrasting views about the game on Wednesday.
According to Modise, this encounter will address another major talking point among the SA football community, as it pins Rhulani Mokwena and Jose Riveiro up against each other as two of Mzansi’s premier tacticians.
“It’s going to be an interesting game, very open for the coaches and the fans. I see a very low score line from both teams.
From a fan perspective I think it’s a game that that has the potential to settle the conversation as to who’s the best coach in the country because these are two coaches who divided the fans in terms of who is the best between them,” he said.
Dubbed ‘The General’, Modise made over 140 league appearances with Sundowns, where he won six trophies, including two PSL titles and the CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana who lifted the 1995 African Champions League with Pirates feels that his former team will make use of their home-ground advantage and overcome the Brazilians here.
“Pirates will have the edge; reason being they will be playing at home, and they will have the massive backing of their fan base at Orlando. For Pirates to claim their stake in South African football, they need to demise sundowns and this will be the opportunity where pirates are going to make sure that they do that,” said Jerry.
With over 100 caps and more than 30 goals for Pirates between them, the two legends can agree that the Sea Robbers will have to take the fight to Sundowns as the pressure to win will be more on their players and coach.
“This is an encounter that everyone is waiting for. People want to know the form of Orlando Pirates versus the best team so far in the country which is Sundowns,” added Jerry.
“I think Orlando Pirates are under pressure because of head-to-head last five fixtures where sundowns have won. So, it’s just a matter of them (Orlando pirates) just trying to win at all costs but also, I don’t see pirates dominating sundowns on the day,” concluded Teko.
𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗨𝗣 𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢
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The stage is set for this showdown which has all the ingredients of an explosive encounter! Can Jose Riveiro’s Pirates close the gap on Rhulani Mokwena’s high-flying machine?
Predictions
Jerry – This will be the opportunity where pirates are going to make sure that they dethrone Sundowns. And I feel Pirates will be the team to beat them. Score 2-1.
Teko – I see sundowns continue to win the game but not as dominant as people are expecting. Its going to be an interesting game, very open for the coaches and the fans. I see a very low score line from both teams.
