Brazilians look to avoid Baroka banana skin

Mamelodi Sundowns will be wary but confident heading into their DStv Premiership clash with hosts Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon..

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Sundowns have put up a strong defence of their title thus far in the 2020-21 Premiership season, topping the log on goal difference ahead of surprise package Swallows FC heading into the weekend’s round of matches.

The Brazilians laid down a significant marker last weekend when they defeated title rivals Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Loftus Stadium, and followed it up in midweek with a 3-1 (5-1 on aggregate) win over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to secure their now customary place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

However, the match against Jwaneng did not see a vintage performance from ‘Downs, with co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi determined to see an improvement when his team takes to the field this Saturday afternoon.

“We did the business, it was not the most exciting game to watch for me as a coach. But I was encouraged that at least we managed to score three goals even though I believe we could have scored more. We are still not as clinical as one would like in front of the goals,” explained Mngqithi.

“But one thing that is encouraging to me and the other coaches is we have managed to give quite a number of players a chance to play. We are trying to have a very big squad that is helping us to win matches.”

Baroka, meanwhile, come into the match on the back of a midweek 2-2 draw away to TS Galaxy, with the Limpopo side establishing a strong lead through Ananias Gebhardt and Gerald Phiri Jr, only to allow two goals to their opponents in the final 26 minutes.

The result saw Baroka miss out on the chance to move into the top five on the log. Instead they are eighth on 12 points – nine off the pace set by Sundowns.

Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele coach Thoka Matsimela was left frustrated by the draw in Mpumalanga.

“We again showed that we have the ability to score goals,” said the Baroka tactician. “But if we cannot keep clean sheets, or at least concede just the one goal, then our attacking effort has been in vain. Still, I believe in the players and the effort they are putting in. We will be rewarded for our hard work.”

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Baroka have met in eight league matches since the 2016/17 season.

The Brazilians have claimed four wins compared to one for Bakgaga, while three games have been drawn.

The Limpopo club have yet to win at home in the rivalry, with one draw and three defeats from four turns as hosts.

Last season Baroka took four points off Sundowns, with a 0-0 draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium in November 2019 and a 1-0 win – their first over the Brazilians – in the return game at Dobsonville Stadium in August 2020.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Baroka FC

Gerald Phiri Jr – The Malawian forward netted a trademark goal from a free kick against TS Galaxy in midweek. Baroka will hope he can again be on target come Saturday, or at least provide some dangerous deliveries from set pieces.

Oscarine Masuluke – Baroka’s goalkeeper enjoyed a fine game against the Rockets in midweek, pulling off several good saves when the game was still in the balance. He can expect to be a busy man again when Sundowns come calling.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Mothobi Mvala – The rugged midfielder has hit a streak of fine goal-scoring form since coming into the Sundowns starting XI, and he was again on target in their win over Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League in midweek.

Rivaldo Coetzee – Control and defensive ballast in midfield will be a key element for Sundowns against a Baroka team which has pace on the break. Coetzee’s discipline and reading of the play should help the Brazilians stave off their opponents' threat on the counter.