Mamelodi Sundowns host Orlando Pirates in what promises to be the game of the season.
The two giants meet up at the Loftus Versfeld at 15:30. Both clubs are in strong form, and both have a point to prove, especially the visiting Buccaneers.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS ORLANDO PIRATES
For the Sea Robbers, it’s more than just another league fixture; it’s a chance to challenge the Kabo Yellow dynasty of lifting the championship for eight straight seasons.
A victory would send Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men up to second place, level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit. Masandawana would only stay top on goal difference, though Orlando Pirates would still have two games in hand.
In the past three seasons, Amabhakabhaka finished runners-up behind Mamelodi Sundowns. In 2022/23, Kabo Yellow ended with 70 points to Orlando Pirates’ 54. The following season it was 73 to 50, and last term 73 to 61, a clear sign of just how dominant Masandawana have been.
With Teboho Mokoena suspended, coach Miguel Cardoso has called upon Bathusi Aubaas to take care of the number role.
Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou has once again shown admirable confidence in the 20-year-old midfielder Camren Dansin, who will seemingly play in the number 10 role.
Sundowns line-up: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Cupido, Aubaas, Allende, Matthews, Santos, Sales, Shalulile.
Substitutes: Onyango, Lebusa, Mdunyelwa, Basadien, Mkhulise, Adams, Ntsabeleng, Maseko, Rayners.
Pirates line-up: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Dansin, Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Ndaba, Van Rooyen, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Mbule, Kwayiba, Mbuthuma.