SuperSport will host Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the two teams in contrasting form.
Matsatsantsa have suffered three consecutive league defeats, including a 2-1 loss to AmaZulu on Saturday, while Sundowns are on a dominant run, securing their eighth consecutive win in the Premiership after a 4-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows on Sunday.
Turn in the Tide
The Tshwane Derby carries significant implications for the title race, with leaders Sundowns likely keeping an eye on Orlando Pirates’ match against Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Sundowns’ impressive form has been driven by the influence of coach Miguel Cardoso, whose arrival has energized the team in their pursuit of an eighth consecutive league title.
“The coach came with a lot of energy, and that is rubbing off on the players,” said senior player Mothobi Mvala. “He is a winner, and Sundowns always want to win everything. We have quality players who adjust quickly to the coach’s philosophy, and that’s what helps us win and get results. We just need to keep pushing forward, knowing that there is still room for improvement.”
Mvala also highlighted the team’s focus on continuous improvement, adding, “The coach is working hard at training, and the guys do a debrief after every game to address mistakes and areas where we could have done better. We’re heading in the right direction.”
Read: Sekhukhune United v Orlando Pirates – Kick-off time, betting odds, players to watch & more!
Player Spotlight
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium last time out, thanks in large part to the heroics of super-sub Peter Shalulile.
Shalulile was introduced into the game in the 37th minute, replacing Mkhulise, and went on to make a profound impact. A penalty was awarded to the Brazilians after Shalulile was brought down in the box just moments later, which teammate Lucas Ribeiro converted to break the deadlock.
However, it was Shalulile who took center stage, scoring a brilliant brace to seal the win for Sundowns. His first goal came in the 65th minute, and he completed his double in the 80th minute.
While Ribeiro’s fine form continues, with seven league goals and three assists, it was Shalulile’s match-winning performance that stole the headlines so do keep an eye out on him here!
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 19:30 on Wednesday, 05 February and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202 and can also be streamed on Showmax.
Lucas Moripe Stadium
The 28 900 seater stadium will host the clash between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns. The Pretoria based stadium was refurbished ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and served as a training venue for the German national football team during the global spectacle.
Named after former local soccer player Lucas Moripe, the stadium is the part-time home stadium of Mamelodi Sundowns, the powerhouse of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
SuperSport United 5/1 | Draw 5/2 | Mamelodi Sundowns 13/20
With a season defining clash against Orlando Pirates following this one, I can’t see Cardoso taking his foot off the pedal. I think the play is Mamelodi Sundowns on the win and over 2.5 goals at 21/10 !