Mamelodi Sundowns take on Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday in the South African Premiership. The match is at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
This is a crucial match for both teams. Sundowns are chasing the South African Premiership title. Chiefs need points for MTN8 qualification.
Title Race Dynamics
Mamelodi Sundowns (1.53) lead the Premiership by 15 points. Orlando Pirates are second with four games in hand. Chiefs are far behind, sitting 26 points adrift.
Kaizer Chiefs (6.40) are out of the title race. They now focus on finishing in the top eight. A strong finish could also earn them a CAF Confederation Cup spot.
Recent Form
Kaizer Chiefs lost 4-1 to SuperSport United in their last game. Their defence struggled, leading to a humiliating defeat. They need a response against Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns won 4-2 against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. Their attack impressed, but their defence looked vulnerable. They will want a more solid performance.
Key Match Details
The match will take place on Saturday, 1 March, at 3:30 PM CAT at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane.
Team News
Mamelodi Sundowns will be without Aubrey Modiba. He is suspended after collecting his fourth yellow card. However, they have a boost with Ronwen Williams potentially returning in goal. Denis Onyango, the usual backup for Williams, will miss the match himself through suspension. Jody February has been filling in but has not looked sharp for Sundowns in their last two games, so skipper Williams’ return would be welcomed.
Kaizer Chiefs will miss Gastón Sirino. He is suspended after receiving a red card. His absence is a big blow for Chiefs. Sirino was an important player for Mamelodi Sundowns as he helped fire them to seven consecutive Premiership titles. Masandawana are well on course to continue the winning streak in his absence.
Head-to-Head Record
Mamelodi Sundowns have won their last four games against Chiefs. Chiefs last beat Sundowns in August 2021. Since then, Sundowns have dominated this fixture.
Sundowns have been the top team in South African soccer for years. Chiefs need to break this pattern. A win would give them confidence.
“It’s possible to beat Sundowns. We are also a big team, so we must take that mentality into the game on Saturday,” Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart was quoted as saying by TimesLIVE.
“We create a lot of chances and that shows we’re not playing badly, so we are confident we can get something on Saturday.”
In terms of inadvertently helping Orlando Pirates, Maart said: “In football there are no favours. We are playing for our objectives as we are running our race. We need points for ourselves at the end of the day, so we can’t be thinking about other teams.”
Players to Watch
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- Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns) – He has 126 Premiership goals. He is three goals away from Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record.
- Makabi Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) – He has scored three goals in four games. He will be key in attack for Chiefs.
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – He controls the midfield. His passing and positioning are crucial.
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Leads the Premiership’s top scorers’ race with 11 goals to his name this season.
Final Thoughts
Mamelodi Sundowns are clear favourites as per the soccer betting odds. They are in great form and have home advantage. Chiefs will need to be at their best.
However, anything can happen in a rivalry game. Chiefs have nothing to lose. They will fight for every ball.
Miguel Cardoso will want Sundowns to stay on track. His side is close to another title. A win here would be another step forward.
