Historically, ties between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have always been highly entertaining. The two teams are set to square off at the FNB Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Sunday and the clash is expected to provide fireworks yet again.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm CAT.
The Brazilians have already clinched the league title as they sit comfortably at the summit of South African football.
Throughout the campaign, Downs have been efficient and had the odd blemish in form every now and then. In their last five league games, Downs have won three, while picking up a stalemate and a loss along the way.
Downs faced Sekhukhune United in their most recent league match, with Owen Da Gama's side proving to be a tough nut to crack for the Champions despite their 2-0 away win.
A win for Sundowns against Chiefs will put the club on course to finish on 70 points, a tally co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi hopes his side reaches come the end of season.
“It’s very important for us to better our benchmarks,” said Mngqithi.
The Downs mentor also reiterated that his side will not rest on their laurels and that they will go to the FNB Stadium to take over.
“I think that it is very important for our supporters to understand that this game has got those connotations now that we have to go there with the mentality to take over the Calabash,” Mngqithi added.
For Amakhosi, the Soweto giants head into the tie with form not on their side. In their previous five league encounters, Chiefs only managed to win one game while losing four games in succession.
With the FNB Stadium being a big talking point ahead of the keenly anticipated match, Chiefs picked up 20 points from a possible 39 at home so far this season.
As far as the head-to-head battle in the previous five encounters are concerned, Downs managed to win three times while the Glamour Boys picked up two victories.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Sable Radebe mentioned that Chiefs will look to take the game to the DStv Premiership champs.
“It’s going to be a very tough game,” Radebe said.
"We are preparing to play a high intensity game, to go at them and give them a game. On our side, we have to win our remaining games and see where it puts us.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kaizer Chiefs:
Keegan Dolly: The diminutive attacker enjoyed a decent return to South African football and has been one of Chiefs' best players this season. With eight goals in the league, along with four assists, his teammates will no doubt look to him for a clutch performance.
Khama Billiat: The Zimbabwean has been the main provider for Amakhosi in the 21/22 league campaign, recording eight assists. Billat also managed to score the most first goals for his club this season (5).
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Peter Shalulile: As a player that needs no introduction, Shalulile has been relentless in front of goal this season. The Namibian now has 22 league goals to his name and is on course to break Collins Mbesuma’s 25-goal haul.
Gaston Sirino: The South American’s form has gone under the radar in recent months and has regained his confidence. Chiefs will have to be alert to his movement between the lines, while he has the ability to thread through the tightest of defences.