PREVIEW: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena anticipating tough encounter against Middendorp’s Cape Town Spurs

The runaway leaders Sundowns are away to DStv Premiership stragglers, Cape Town Spurs, in a clash at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday at 19:30.

Downs are fresh from a controversial CAF Champions League victory over Young Africans of Tanzania at Loftus Stadium on Friday.

The two teams find themselves at opposing spectrums of the log table, with the latter enjoying an unassailable lead at the summit.

The undefeated Sundowns are on 49 points from 19 matches and enjoy a 10-point gap to their nearest rival Stellenbosch FC.

Meanwhile, the Ernst Middendorp-coached Spurs find themselves rock-bottom of the standings in a desperate fight against relegation.

The Urban Warriors have collected a mere 12 points from 22 outings. But have sparked somewhat of a resurgence under the German-born mentor.

The former Kaizer Chiefs coach assumed charge with the Cape side on just three points from an unexpected win against Orlando Pirates.

Spurs have collected a total of nine additional points for a tally of 12 as Middendorp guided his side to wins over AmaZulu FC and TS Galaxy.

Under the coach, they also picked up crucial points in the draws against Usuthu, Stellies and the Buccaneers.

The last time the Urban Warriors met Sundowns was in December, and coach Rulani Mokwena’s men inflicted a 3-0 defeat to Middendorp’s charges.

“We’ve got a tough one in Cape Town on Tuesday, it’s going to be very, very tough against one of my favourite coaches, Ernst,” Mokwena told the media after the game against Yanga on Friday.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him on Tuesday, he brings a smile to my face. He’s someone I really adore and that’s very true, don’t spin it guys.”