Following a disappointing exit from the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 this past weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership in a tricky test against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
As one of the busiest clubs in South Africa at the moment, Downs were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup this past weekend following a 2-0 loss against TS Galaxy at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in the last 16 on Saturday.
AmaZulu on the other hand, booked their ticket into the tournament’s final eight through a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.
In the Betway Premiership, Sundowns occupy second on the table, three points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates with a game in hand. The Tshwane-giants are currently on a three-match winning streak in the league, having won four and drawn one of their last five.
Downs secured a 2-1 win against Pirates last time out, a result that kept them within touching distance of the summit after 16 matches played.
AmaZulu will head into their next league assignment sitting in fifth position after recording three wins and two defeats in their previous five league encounters.
Prior to their Nedbank Cup win, Usuthu recorded a 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates on 3 February at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban. With Usuthu chasing a CAF spot for next season, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit are on 30 points after 17 games played, two points behind third-placed Sekhukhune United.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after AmaZulu’s win over Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane lamented the officiating in the PSL, a topic that has been recycled in South African football media in the last couple of weeks.
“I believe we had about two penalties but I don’t like speaking about referees,” Zwane said.
Then, reflecting on his side’s recent performances, most notably following their Nedbank Cup exit, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes that his side have been suffering due to too many individual errors.
“Look, we need to be objectively clear on the analysis, the goals that we suffered had to do with the line-up,” Cardoso said.
“There are individual mistakes that you obviously cannot do, it’s time to go home and rest please and obviously understand who’s able to be on the level of those matches or not.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AmaZulu: Taariq Fielies – As a staple to the AmaZulu backline, Fielies’ experience will be invaluable against Downs this week. With Usuthu expected to face a highly attacking Sundowns team, Fielies will be required to marshal his side during high pressure situations.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Jayden Adams – While Downs boast a strong squad of unique talents, Adams will be tipped to play a key role against AmaZulu on Tuesday. Given his ability to score goals from midfield, Adams could keep the AmaZulu defence on high alert in and around the 18-yard area.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Games: 70
AmaZulu wins: 9
Sundowns wins: 46
Draws: 15