It’s Mamelodi Sundowns versus Orlando Pirates.
Two of South Africa’s most famous clubs highlight this weekend’s DStv Premiership schedule with a match that kicks off at 15h30 on Friday. Make no mistake, there are few of storylines to talk about, Thisisfootball.Africa previews the match.
Sundowns sit top of the DStv Premiership table with 28 points from 12 matches. Rhulani Mokwena’s squad had only lost two matches this season, having won nine and drew once so far.
Pirates are 5th with 19 points from 13 matches. Jose Riveiro’s team won two games into the start of the season before losing to Chippa United who were coached by Daine Klate that time. Overall, Bucs have won five, drew four and got beaten four times.
Downs will enter the match after winning their last six league matches and with the memory of dismantling Pirates 4-0 in the Carling Black Label final at FNB. The Sea Robbers on the other hand, lost their last league match before the World Cup to archrivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. But rest assured they will come out with guns blazing after winning the 2022 MTN8.
Team News
Sundowns
Namibian striker, Peter Shalulile, could be declared fit on match day and hopes to make his Downs return after a two-month injury. Lebogang Maboe is still out with a knee injury.
Moroccan Abdel Boutouil Abdelmounaim and Terrence Mashego are still on sidelines as they both have long-term injuries. Meanwhile, Masandawana will also have to do it without Aubrey Modiba due to the suspension.
Pirates
The Buccaneers will welcome back captain Innocent Maela and fellow defender Nkosinathi Sibisi who missed the Carling Black Label Cup due to injuries. There could be a new face for Pirates as they signed Ndumiso Mabena, who as a free agent should be cleared to play. Craig Martin, the new signing from Cape Town City, will only be available to play once the transfer window opens in January. While Thembinkosi Lorch’s injury update was not issued.
Also Read: Mokwena Provides Latest Update on Shalulile
