Kaizer Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi believes the team is well placed to face Mamelodi Sundowns at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Wednesday evening.
During a break in training on Tuesday, Mmodi said: “I’m feeling good about the game. The guys are all ready and looking forward to getting on the field.”
Determined to bounce back
The Glamour Boys are determined to bounce back from their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Siwelele FC last Wednesday after putting in a better display against Orlando Pirates the previous weekend.
“We really wanted to win the derby and gave everything we had and I think we suffered from a bit of fatigue against Siwelele.
“It’s not an excuse but I think that it explains some of our performance in Bloemfontein.
“It was Siwelele’s strategy to come out fast against us, knowing we had just come off a very hard match only a few days earlier and it worked for them,” Mmodi explained.
Not enjoyed much success
Amakhosi have not enjoyed the best of fortunes against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld in recent years.
However, Mmodi dismissed the statistics as a reflection of the past that has no bearing on the upcoming encounter.
“The record is there, but it is history,” he said flatly, adding, “This is a new game, and we are going there to give our best to get a good result. We know Sundowns are trying to win the league and as hungry for the points as we are, but we will be ready for them.”
No advantage
The fact that Kaizer Chiefs have had a week since their last match and Mamelodi Sundowns played on the weekend will not give Amakhosi any tangible advantage in Mmodi’s opinion.
“I don’t think it will make any difference,” he said.
“Sundowns have a lot of depth in their squad so they will put out a very strong team. That said, we have made good use of the week and have prepared very well for the match.”
A man who frequently shows up on the big occasion and who scored recently in the Soweto derby, Mmodi is eager to make his mark in the service of the team, concluding, “If I get the chance, I will be very happy to score because I love playing in big games.”
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Standings
Mamelodi Sundowns are currently top of the Betway Premiership standings with 64 points after 27 matches.
They lead Orlando Pirates by two points, with both sides having three matches remaining in the season.
Kaizer Chiefs are in third spot with 47 points after 26 matches, as they look to secure a CAF Confederation Cup place next season.
Prediction
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
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Betway Premiership log ahead of kick-off
