Early bragging rights are at stake as Kaizer Chiefs visit reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night!
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs
DStv Premiership
Wednesday, 9 August – 15:00
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns got their new DStv Premiership season off to a winning start when they overcame Sekhukhune United in a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Perter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. They will undoubtedly be aiming to extend their perfect start when they welcome AmaKhosi to the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
Head coach Rhulani Mokwena said though he was pleased with the result and overall performance of the team, he still expects them to improve with matches coming thick and fast.
New signings Lucas Ribeiro and Thapelo Maseko both combined for the second goal for the Brazillians, and I expect them to play a role in Wednesday’s clash as well. Of course, Peter Shalulile was the other Brazilian on target on Friday, showing signs of continuing where he left off last season where his incredible form saw him net 29 times across all competitions.
I expect Mokwena to roll out the same starting 11 as last time, with the exception of Mothobi Mvala to replace Rivaldo Coetzee who picked up a red card.
To Win Match
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/10 | Draw 5/2 | Kaizer Chiefs 38/10
Kaizer Chiefs
Amakhosi were far from impressive during their preseason preparations, and their poor start to the new season against a frail Chippa United side needs to be addressed in their next game. While the fans would have seen glimpses of what Mduduzi Shabalala, Christian Saile Basomboli and Ranga Chivaviro can do up front, there was still not much promise to point out as their attempts at goal weren’t troubling Chippa’s Nwabili.
Molefi will take positives such the notable performances of Edson Castillo as well as Given Msimango’s partnership with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe in defence to this game, and also count on the quick movements of Christian Saille on the wings to produce quality deliveries into the box for Ranga Chivaviro to finish off.
But Chiefs will also need to come up with a different approach of breaching teams’ backline, and Castillo’s ability to find the toughest of passes may come in handy for the Glamour Boys in this fixture, as Sundowns are a super tactical machine capable of dealing with all types of threats coming their way.
Verdict – FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – Sundowns 11/20
Mamelodi Sundowns have been the highest scorers in the league for the past three seasons, and that comes down to their studying of opponents and their weaknesses in order to expose them during the game. Their goals can come from any corner of the pitch while they also pose a serious threat from set pieces.
I trust their sharp attack to draw first blood against Chiefs who are still figuring out their combinations at the back, and this has all the ingredients of a classic advertisement of SA football early on in the season with both teams desperate for a win for early bragging rights.
