Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to solidify their position at the summit of the Betway Premiership as they face Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Masandawana bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 win over AmaZulu FC away on Tuesday in a league encounter, after TS Galaxy had previously snapped their four-match unbeaten run across all competitions in the Nedbank Cup clash.
The win over AmaZulu propelled Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership standings - level on points with second-placed Orlando Pirates, but Masandawana have a superior goals-scored record as the two teams have an identical +19 goal difference.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, extended their strong recent form by securing a 1-0 victory over the University of Pretoria in the Nedbank Cup encounter last weekend, stretching their winning streak to four matches across all competitions in the process.
Babina Noko currently sit third in the Betway Premiership standings, six points adrift of joint leaders Sundowns and Pirates, and a win over Masandawana on Sunday would significantly narrow the gap at the top as the battle for the championship continues.
TEAM NEWS
Mamelodi Sundowns have no suspension worries, but Mothobi Mvala, Monnapule Saleng, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Bathusi Aubaas, Arthur Sales, Keanu Cupido and Thapelo Morena are all on the Tshwane giants' injury list.
Sekhukhune United will be without the suspended Bradley Mojela, though coach Eric Tinkler confirmed the squad is nearing full strength, with injuries no longer an issue before their recent Nedbank Cup win over the University of Pretoria.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso:
“We must not worry about the table but the next match. Next game is against Sekhukhune and we need to continue collecting points and see how it will end," Cardoso said.
"I believe this championship will be a fight until the end and we need to keep consistency, that’s important. Consistency in attitude, we need to take all the points at home, that’s for sure, and away."
Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler:
"I don’t think the league is over yet, in my view. Now it's going to be about, are teams going to be able to take points off them (Sundowns). Are they beatable? Yes, they are. But you can’t deny the quality that they have," Tinkler said.
"Every game I go into I want to win. Maybe that's my biggest downfall, that I think we can beat everyone."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brayan Leon, Mamelodi Sundowns: The 25-year-old striker has made a brilliant start to life at Sundowns, netting six goals in nine matches - including one against Sekhukhune on January 27 and he will be eager to punish Babina Noko once again.
Bradley Grobler, Sekhukhune United: The experienced marksman, currently in the race for the Betway Premiership Golden Boot with seven goals to his name, will be determined to add to his tally and help Babina Noko secure a vital win in Tshwane.
ALL LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2021/22 Sundowns 2-0 Sekhukhune Maema, Zwane (pen)
2021/22 Sekhukhune 0-2 Sundowns Modiba, Shalulile
2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-1 Sundowns Mntambo; Shalulile
2022/23 Sundowns 2-0 Sekhukhune Shalulile, Mailula
2023/24 Sekhukhune 1-2 Sundowns Webber; Shalulile, Ribeiro
2023/24 Sundowns 2-1 Sekhukhune Matthews, Morena; Ohizu (pen)
2024/25 Sundowns 3-0 Sekhukhune Yamba (og), Sales (pen), Rayners
2024/25 Sekhukhune 2-4 Sundowns Otladisa, Makgalwa; Morena, Suarez, Ribeiro, Sales
LEAGUE RECORD (since 2021/22)
Home
P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 4 4 0 0 9 1
Sekhukhune 4 0 1 3 4 9
Away
P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 4 3 1 0 9 4
Sekhukhune 4 0 0 4 1 9
Total
P W D L GF GA
Sundowns 8 7 1 0 18 5
Sekhukhune 8 0 1 7 5 18