PSL Opens With Sundowns and Pirates Revenge Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena. Photo courtesy of Backpagepix

Following a two month break due to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the biggest league on African soil will make its return. The PSL opens with the mouthwatering clash between Mamelodi  Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Loftus on the 30th of December, which can certainly be dubbed as a revenge clash.

Top of the table Mamelodi Sundowns are the pacesetters leading the race five points clear of newcomers Richards Bay FC. The defending champions are on a six match winning streak, having conceded 1 goal [against Arrows], while scoring 13. The coaching changes at Sundowns have not derailed the train as they continue to slaughter opponents before them.

Rulani Mokwena is now the man in charge, and since taking over the reins, Sundowns has smashed struggling Maritzburg United 5-0, Royal AM 3-0, and clinched the Carling Black Label Cup after beating AmaZulu 3-0 & Pirates 4-0, respectively.

Mokwena has already started to stamp his authority and has announced that the club will announce technical team changes soon. Assistant goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo and strength and conditioning/fitness coach, Riedoh Bierden are both being rumoured to be axed by the youthful mentor. “In due course the club will announce what changes are to be made with regard to the technical team” said Mokwena.

Sundowns will return to action against Orlando Pirates at Loftus stadium at 15:00 on the 30th of December. A clash that has never been short of drama and action.

Sundowns have enjoyed a dominance against Pirates in the last few years and the Buccaneers will not want to allow that dominance to continue. New man Jose Riveiro will hope to inspire his charges one more time to repeat the MTN 8 second leg display they showed in the Peter Mokaba Stadium where they humbled Sundowns 3-0.

Pirates are seated 5th, 9 points adrift of Sundowns, who have a game in hand compared to the Mighty Bucs.

Also Read: Daniels : Sundowns Is Like Real Madrid

Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates, PSL
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates during DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium on the 14 October 2022 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix