After securing passage to the Caf Champions League group stages for the 10th time on the spin, Mamelodi Sundowns will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership.
Downs, along with a number of teams, have only played one match so far in the league and will host Marumo Gallants in search of a fourth successive in all competitions.
The Manqoba Mngqithi-led Sundowns are oozing with confidence after demolishing Mbabane Swallows 8-0 across two games in the Champions League group stage qualifiers.
In the Premiership, Downs are favourites to defend their title and extend the record to eight championships on the trot.
How to watch
The match will be televised live on DStv channel 202, with the kick-off scheduled for 17:30. You can also stream the live action on Showmax and DStv Stream.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Situated in the capital city, Loftus Versfeld Stadium is home to Sundowns and can seat just over 50,000 spectators. This venue is a fortress for Masandawana, who secured 13 victories in 15 league matches played here last season. The stadium is also shared with the Blue Bulls rugby team.
Notably, this 2010 FIFA World Cup venue is the only stadium to have hosted a presidential inauguration, with South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa taking the oath for his first term in 2019.
Loftus has been the site of numerous significant events, including the 2023 African Football League final, multiple Currie Cup finals, and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
What was said
Downs attacking midfielder Lesiba Nku will be going up against his former team for the first time and has high hopes of ending up on the winning side.
Nku will be facing his ex-mentors Duncan Lechesa (assistant coach) and Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela and expects a very competitive match.
“I watched all the games that they played, they are playing very well and they are just not lucky to win their games. I think we must not undermine them because they lost two games. We must just go with our plan and we are going to be victorious.
“He likes to play tiki taka football, he likes to keep the ball too much, which is what we do at Sundowns. It is going to be a competitive game and we are ready for the game.
“Both of them coached me. Coach Duncan coached me at Polokwane City and then coach Dan coached me at Marumo. I think it is going to be a good game and we will manage because we are ready for the game,” Nku told Sundowns media.
Recent performances
Mamelodi Sundowns
21 Sept 2024: Mamelodi Sundowns 4 – 0 Mbabane Swallows
17 Sept 2024: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 – 0 SuperSport United
14 Sept 2024: Mbabane Swallows 4 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns
1 Sept 2024: Stellenbosch 1 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns
28 Aug 2024: Mamelodi Sundowns 0 – 1 Stellenbosch
Marumo Gallants
21 Sept 2024: Golden Arrows 2 – 0 Marumo Gallants
14 Sept 2024: Marumo Gallants 1 – 2 Kaizer Chiefs
Players to watch
Sundowns have a host of stars in their arsenal, about 40 players who can easily walk into any team in the PSL.
A number of players have lifted their hands to become regulars under Mngqithi, with new signings Kobamelo Kodisang and Iqraam Rayners having already opened their scoring accounts, while Themba Zwane remains evergreen.
Lucas Ribeiro has also been lively in the early stages of the season, netting three times in five outings.
In the opposing camp, coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela will bank on the experience of players like Daniel Akpeyi, Vusi Sibiya and the resurgent Xola Mlambo.
Betting odds
As the defending champions, Sundowns are the overwhelming favourites to clinch maximum points as Gallants are struggling to find their feet after buying their way back into the premium division.
As the saying goes: there is no ‘therefore’ in football and this tie can go either way. You can place your bet here.
3/10 Mamelodi Sundowns | 37/10 Draw | 9/1 Marumo Gallants
'Mahoota' joins the Pitchside crew to assess the team's recent form and look ahead to the Heritage Day encounter against Marumo Gallants! 👆💭
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 23, 2024
Check out the latest episode and subscribe to MSFC TV on YouTube! 📲 https://t.co/jIXZAusm6W #Sundowns #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/ca1xGLoO5t
