Sundowns aim to improve on league season starts

Mamelodi Sundowns have not been the quickest of starters in the Absa Premiership over the last while, winning only one of their previous opening matches of the season.

The Brazilians are preparing to take on Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in their league opener on Saturday, who, ironically, are the only team they have beaten on the opening day since 2014.

Sundowns have twice drawn with Maritzburg United (0-0 and 1-1), and been held by Platinum Stars (0-0) and Kaizer Chiefs (1-1), but did record a 2-0 success against SuperSport on the opening day in 2017/18.

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Coach Pitso Mosimane has had to juggle his players in pre-season due to injuries and national team duty, but says they will be ready to meet Matsatsantsa.

"You can't be a coach and then say you are not ready for a season, we have to play on Saturday,” he told reporters.

5 Days to go Masandawana till we lock horns with SuperSport!?? This Tshwane Derby will be something special!????#Sundowns #ForeverYellow pic.twitter.com/Xi4HAxb3Ud

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 29, 2019

“So other players who are ready will be disappointed in me If I say we are not ready, although we have three key injuries. Again, we have those six Bafana Bafana players who are starting to train with us soon.

“So, whichever way we should play, we've been to the pre-season. If I have to answer you, yes, we are ready but not the way we wanted to but because of the programme.”

SUNDOWNS’ OPENING LEAGUE GAMES SINCE 2014/15

2014/15: 1-1 vs Maritzburg United (home)
2015/16: 0-0 vs Platinum Stars (away)
2016/17: 0-0 vs Maritzburg United (away)
2017/18: 2-0 vs SuperSport United (away)
2018/19: 1-1 vs Kaizer Chiefs (home)