Crunch time for Spurs in Sundowns challenge

In their next quest of survival in the DStv Premiership, relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs will lock horns with in-form league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kick off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Cape Town Spurs have faced a dip in form in the DStv Premiership with their previous three fixtures, losing their last two matches in the league against Chippa United and Moroka Swallows respectively.

⏪ Last time Cape Town Spurs played against Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho 'Master Chef' Mbule did this 👇

A goal of the season contender 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bdaOCuLWrW

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 8, 2024

The Urban Warriors had been on an unbeaten streak in the league for four matches prior to the aforementioned result.

As for Mamelodi Sundowns, the team is currently leading the table and are ten points clear with three games in hand over second placed Stellenbosch.

They’ve won two out of three of their last three league matches against Chippa and Richards Bay. The team also played to a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby.

On a high from making it to the CAF Champions League semifinal, Downs will be a difficult test for Cape Town Spurs who are fighting for top-flight survival.

WHAT WAS SAID

Ahead of the match, Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena maintains his stance that the league is the most important competition and does not want to get complacent despite being in pole position to secure the title once again.

“I mean, it’s the biggest competition, with the biggest number of games and the highest amount of prestige in your nation,” he said.

“We need a lot more, we need a lot more noise. We need a lot more of the Yellow Nation and I honestly think the players deserve that.”

For the Spurs game, Mokwena says he is looking forward to facing one of his “idols”, coach Ernst Middendorp.

"We got a tough one on Tuesday against one of my favourite coaches, Ernst. I'm looking forward to seeing him.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ashley Cupido, Cape Town Spurs - The attacking player is one to watch when it comes to being clinical in front of goal. A good display from Cupido will keep the Sundowns defence on their toes as they continue their bid to stay in the league.

Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns - Off the back of an impressive display in the CAF Champions League where he saved two penalties in the shootout, Williams will be crucial in keeping Spurs out of the Brazilians’ goal.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS (Cape Town Spurs formerly known as Ajax Cape Town)

Season Result Scorers

2013/14 Sundowns 3-2 Ajax Nthethe, Mashego (pen), Laffor; Paulse (pen), Davids (pen)

2014/15 Ajax 1-0 Sundowns Graham

2014/15 Sundowns 2-1 Ajax Schut, Modise; Morris

2015/16 Sundowns 3-2 Ajax Modise, Lolo (og), Laffor; Mzwakali, Paulse (pen)

2015/16 Ajax 0-0 Sundowns

2016/17 Ajax 2-0 Sundowns Mosadi, Mdabuka

2016/17 Sundowns 2-0 Ajax Tau, T. Zwane

2017/18 Ajax 1-2 Sundowns Lakay; Nascimento, Vilakazi

2017/18 Sundowns 3-1 Ajax Billiat, Nascimento, Vilakazi; Lebusa

2023/24 Sundowns 3-0 Ajax Mbule, Kekana, Shalulile