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SuperSport, Sundowns renew rivalry in Tshwane derby
SuperSport United will lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.
Matsatsantsa stretched their unbeaten run to three matches in the league when they defeated AmaZulu FC 2-0 away last weekend.
They find themselves on the third spot on the league standings - a point behind second-placed Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the Tshwane Derby in recent times with SuperSport United only securing 1 win.#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/NrvoH2Eqkk
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) January 17, 2020
Kaitano Tembo, the SuperSport coach, is confident that they defeat the defending champions following their convincing victory over Usuthu.
"It is a derby. Tough game. That’s how it is. We play Sundowns and Sundowns are a very good team," Tembo said.
"But we also have a good team that on the day can play and beat anyone. For now, we have to focus on our recovery.
"I could see a lot of tired legs out there from a few players who were coming back from injury. We had to take out Evans Rusike."
The KwaZulu-Natal derby kicks off our #AbsaPrem weekend when Maritzburg host Amazulu. pic.twitter.com/nADVFpN0ow
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) January 17, 2020
Meanwhile, Sundowns saw their six-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end when they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates away in midweek.
Despite the defeat, Masandawana remained second on the league standings - nine points behind leaders, Kaizer Chiefs.
Pitso Mosimane, the Sundowns coach, says they need to secure a top-two finish in the league if they fail to defend their title.
“Did you see this team giving up tonight?. No, we go for it. We are going to chase and chase," Mosimane said.
"Even if we don’t win (the league), we got a second spot that we need to stay in the Champions League. Our vision is totally different and bigger than any other club.
"So, we have to make sure we close the spot of the Champions League because that’s what we are and how we improve the brand and that’s why we improve the team.”
STAR PLAYERS TO WATCH
SuperSport United
Kudakwashe Mahachi: The attacking midfielder has been in good form having grabbed an assist against AmaZulu. Mahachi will be keen to continue his form in the Tshwane Derby.
Bradley Grobler: The lethal marksman netted his eighth league goal of the season in the victory over AmaZulu. Grobler will be eager to add to his tally against Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Hlompho Kekana: The Sundowns captain remains a consistent performer for the defending champions. Kekana will be hoping to lead his side to a victory over SuperSport.
Themba Zwane: The attacker is set to make his return from suspension after missing Sundowns' defeat to Pirates. Zwane has the ability to inspire his side to a victory in the Tshwane Derby.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2014/15 SuperSport 1-2 Sundowns Brockie; Mashaba 2
2015/16 Sundowns 2-0 SuperSport Kekana, Castro
2015/16 SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns Mbekile, Billiat
2016/17 Sundowns 5-0 SuperSport Daniels (og), T. Zwane, Mashaba, Billiat 2
2016/17 SuperSport 0-1 Sundowns Kekana
2017/18 SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns Kekana, T. Zwane
2017/18 Sundowns 1-1 SuperSport Tau; Mnyamane
2018/19 SuperSport 1-2 Sundowns Gould; Maboe, Lakay
2018/19 Sundowns 0-2 SuperSport G. Kekana, Lungu
2019/20 Sundowns 2-0 SuperSport Vilakazi, Zwane
LEAGUE RECORD (since 1990)
Home
P W D L GF GA
SuperSport 28 5 6 17 25 46
Sundowns 29 13 6 10 44 34
Away
P W D L GF GA
SuperSport 29 10 6 13 34 44
Sundowns 28 17 6 5 46 25
Total
P W D L GF GA
SuperSport 57 15 12 30 59 90
Sundowns 57 30 12 15 90 59
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