Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has blasted his side's congested fixture schedule as 'unacceptable' as he prepares for the trip to Bloemfontein against Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, February 19.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The Brazilians are in the middle of a busy month which sees them play seven times in the space of 21 days and the workload appeared to take its toll as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy on February 11.
Cardoso's perfect run in the Betway Premiership came to an end in the process, having guided Bafana ba Style to seven straight wins prior to the setback against the Rockets.
However, Masandawana are still nine points clear at the league summit after they beat Orlando Pirates 4-1 on February 8, although their title rivals crucially have two games in hand.
Cardoso has utilised the majority of his squad during the first two months of his tenure, with Mothobi Mvala, Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena, Reyaad Pieterse, Sanele Tshabalala and Jody February the only ones who have yet to feature.
3 Points up for grabs as we look to bounce back in the #BetwayPrem! 🙌
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 18, 2025
⚽ Marumo Gallants vs Mamelodi Sundowns
📅 19 Feb
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Dr Molemela Stadium
📺 SS 202#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/RQqJifEevS
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have struggled for results since mid-December, winning just one of their last eight top-flight matches and only picking up five points during that run.
A 2-0 loss at AmaZulu on February 7 left Gallants winless in their last three outings and they find themselves perched on the edge of the danger zone, four points clear of Magesi in 15th place.
Rain or shine, the grind never stops! 🌧️💪#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/n9YeeWax9W
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 18, 2025
The two teams have already met twice this season, with Sundowns running out convincing 4-1 victors in the reverse fixture on September 24 before triumphing 2-0 in the Carling Knockout two months later.
WHAT WAS SAID
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso:
"I do hope that we don't have injuries, and I do hope that the injured players can really reinforce us because they are exactly at the point where, in a couple of weeks, they will start returning.
"It will be a challenge because, as I said already, we have eight games in a row during one month - this is something that should never happen in football.
"Obviously it's not normal to happen, so until the Fifa break, we'll be playing every three or four days - it's not normal and not acceptable, it's very difficult to cope with.
"So I really hope that players can sustain their efforts, and most of our opponents will not be in this situation. I saw the other teams' calendars, and they will not be submitted to this kind of effort, while we will.
"And we have to cope with it, and we will cope with it, I'm pretty sure."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marumo Gallants - Washington Arubi produced a string of fine saves against Usuthu, but was let down by his defence as the opposition carved their way through Gallants at will to eventually score twice without reply. The 39-year-old Zimbabwean goalkeeper will have his work cut out for him against Sundowns as he goes in search of a fifth clean sheet this season.
Mamelodi Sundowns - Lucas Ribeiro came closest to scoring for Downs when he struck the right post with a first-time shot from inside the box on 27 minutes, having been inches away from reaching double figures in the league for the season. The Brazilian is also a creative force as he not only leads the scoring charts with nine goals, but he has provided the most assists as well with six.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (Last five Betway Premiership meetings)
Matches - 5
Gallants wins - 0
Sundowns wins - 4
Draws - 1