The Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium will be buzzing on Tuesday night as Mamelodi Sundowns take on AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership clash at 19h30.
This encounter promises fireworks as the league leaders aim to tighten their grip on the title race, while the visitors look to shake up the standings.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been a juggernaut this season, sitting 16 points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership table over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who still have four games in hand. The Brazilians are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, though their five-game winning streak was halted by a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows on March 5.
That result left a sour taste for head coach Miguel Cardoso, who pointed to refereeing decisions as a key factor. “In a normal game, we should have won,” Cardoso said after the match. “That has cost us two points that can be important in the championship fight.” He also called for VAR in South Africa, adding, “It will help the referees when they make mistakes… When there are too many mistakes in one match, then it is not comfortable.”
AmaZulu, meanwhile, have found some rhythm of their own, stretching their unbeaten run to three matches with a 0-0 draw against SuperSport United on March 5, following back-to-back wins. Sitting sixth in the table, just a point behind third-placed Stellenbosch FC, Usuthu know a victory over Sundowns could propel them into the top three if other results align.
Head coach Arthur Zwane has leaned heavily on the experience of Bongani Zungu, rested for their last outing to ensure he’s fresh for this clash. “He’s our heartbeat, a thinker,” Zwane said. “He’s the one that controls everything at the moment. The other guys, Brooks, Human, they play with energy because they are still young, but Bongani controls the rhythm in our game.”
Sundowns have a growing injury list, with Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena, Mothobi Mvala, and Ronwen Williams all sidelined. Terrence Mashego and Neo Maema are also unavailable, on duty with Bafana Bafana.
AmaZulu, however, have received a boost with Richard Ofori and Riaan Hanamub back from suspension.
For Sundowns, Iqraam Rayners has been a revelation, racking up four assists in each of his last four matches and scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over AmaZulu in December. His predatory instincts could prove the difference again.
AmaZulu’s hopes may rest on Tshepang Moremi, the dynamic winger who netted and provided two assists in recent wins over Magesi FC and Cape Town City. His pace and flair make him a constant threat.
The last 10 league meetings between these sides have been dominated by Sundowns, who have won seven, drawn two, and lost just once. AmaZulu’s sole victory came in 2021-22 via a 1-0 result, but Sundowns have since reasserted control, including a 1-0 triumph earlier this season thanks to Rayners.
The Brazilians also boast a hat-trick hero in Lucas Ribeiro, who bagged all three goals in a 3-0 rout last term. Plus Peter Shalulile will be chasing his 100th goal for Sundowns having been on 99 for the last few games.
Posts on X from Sundowns’ official account on March 10 hyped the clash, urging fans to “fill the stands and bring the noise” at Lucas Moripe, while Cardoso’s pre-match focus was clear: “We respect AmaZulu, but our target is three points.” AmaZulu’s camp echoed confidence.