Mamelodi Sundowns has confirmed the details of their crucial December matches including two CAF Champions League and three Betway Premiership showdowns.
AS FAR Rabat VS Mamelodi Sundowns | 7 December
The Brazilians will travel to Morocco to battle AS FAR on Saturday, 7 December in an effort to bounce back to winning ways having been held to a goalless draw by Maniema Union in their Group B opener.
On the other hand, Rabat made quick work of their country rivals Raja Casablanca when they defeated them 2-0 to occupy the number one spot in the group.
While Sundowns are currently second in the group standings, this is a must-win match for them to avoid dropping down. Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners scored in their club’s recent match against Sekhukhune and are expected to provide goals for Manqoba Mnqithi’s side and bag all three points.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Raja Casablanca | 15 December
The defending Betway Premiership champions will aim to take advantage of Raja’s recent struggles. They have recorded one victory in their past eight matches in all competitions.
In addition, they will have the backing of the whole Yellow Nation as the match will be played at their home ground, Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Moroccan giants, on the other hand, returned to winning ways by thrashing HUSA 3-1 in a league match. They will resume their champions league on 7 December when they clash with Maniema Unions to try to clear off the foot of the group.
Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns | 18 December
Revenge will be on the card for the away team as the hosts ended their hopes of lifting the MTN8 trophy when they defeated them 1-0 respectively in both legs of the semifinals.
The five past meetings are in favour of Sundowns who have won three while Stellies won the recent two.
Mngqithi will have to rally his troops to come out gun blazing as his opponents are in great form and recently ended Orlando Pirates’ winning league run.
AmaZulu vs Mamelodi Sundowns | 24 December
Moses Mabhida will be buzzing when AmaZulu hosts the defending league champions. After opening their league campaign with three successive losses, the appointment of co-head coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi has turned things around for Usuthu.
The Durban-based team last defeated the visitors in 2021. The last meeting ended 3-0 in favour of The Brazilians.
Mngqithi’s side will need to collect all three points to continue challenging for the league title. With Pirates hot on their heels, they cannot afford to drop points.
Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns | 28 December
A visit to Richards Bay FC will conclude Sundowns’ 2024 calendar when they clash at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. This will be Mngqithi’s first match against Bay after he took over the reins from Rulani Mokwena before the start of the new season.
Both sides are currently at the opposite end of each other, Sundowns are on top while Bay is at the bottom of the log standings.
The Natal Rich Boyz are yet to claim a victory against the Pretoria-based team since gaining promotion to the top flight and with their current struggles which led to the departure of Brandon Truter, it’s hard to see them winning.