Coach Rulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their DStv Premiership title defence with a trip down to the Peter Mokaba Stadium this week where they will take on Brandon Truter’s Sekhukhune United on Friday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT+2)
MATCH BACKGROUND
As the team to beat in South African football, Sundowns head into the 23/24 season on the back of six consecutive league title wins. The unprecedented feat highlighted the Chloorkop side’s dominance in PSL football, with the challenging pack looking to bridge the gap at the top.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, will compete in their third consecutive season in top-flight football. Babina Noko gained promotion to the PSL for the 2020/21 season, where they recorded an 11th place finish in the league.
Despite a slow start to the 2022/23 campaign, Babina Noko ended up in seventh position with much credit being given to Truter, who joined the club half way through the season.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Sekhukhune are yet to win a game against Sundowns in the league, with the two sides meeting on four occasions since Babina Noko’s promotion to the PSL.
In the first meeting between Sekhukhune and Downs, which took place in November 2011, the Brazlians recorded a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Neo Maema and Themba Zwane.
Downs completed the league double over Sekhukhune that season where they again bagged maximum points a 2-0 away win.
In the 22/23 campaign, Sekhukhune hosted Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 20 October, as they shared the spoils in their first meeting of the season.
However, Sundowns corrected their ways in the return leg, claiming a 2-0 win at Loftus with Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula getting their names on the scoresheet.
WHAT THEY SAID...
Speaking ahead of the tie, Truter praised Sundowns' efforts during pre-season as the reigning champions set up camp in Europe in preparation for the upcoming season.
“It’s a good test for us, Sundowns have raised the bar yet again with the results and coming off the pre-season camp in Europe, it’s massive and it augurs well for SA football as well,” Truter said.
“But they keep on raising the bar and as other clubs, we want to close it. I’ve got a good squad this season and I’m very excited to get started and to get a test against Sundowns.
We will know exactly where we are, but it is a difficult game and an interesting one but also a match that will set the season for us.”
Reflecting on their recent pre-season route abroad, where they faced club’s such as KKA Gent and Sparta Rotterdam, Mokwena mentioned that Sundowns’ trip to Europe provided the club an opportunity to work on technical aspects of their game.
“We came here with a clear mandate to try to win preseason,” Mokwena said.
“We have worked on quite a few things... possession and our defence.
“We have worked very hard on our set-pieces and the coaches have been really good. Coach Michael [Loftman], coach Wendell [Robinson] and coach Manqoba [Mngqithi] have been working hard in that space.”
PLAYERS WHO HAVE FEATURED FOR BOTH TEAMS
Siphesihle Mkhize recently became the latest player to have donned both the Sekhukhune and Sundowns strips, with Babina Noko unveiling the former Downs midfielder last week.
Nyiko Mobbie joined Sekhukhune from Sundowns in a loan deal for the 21/22 campaign and was permanently signed in the subsequent season.
Downs midfielder Sammy Seabi enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Sekhukhune last season but is yet to make a decision on his immediate future.
Also, Sibusisio Vilakazi plied his trade for the Brazilians between 2016 and 2022, where he became a household name in South African football. Now though, Vila is deemed to be one of the senior members of Truter’s side heading into the new season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sekhukhune United:
Siphesihle Mkhize: As a player who struggled to break into the Sundowns starting XI, Mkhize will be keen to impress at his new home, especially against the Brazilians in their first match of the season.
Mkhize’s energy in midfield could trouble any opposition in the PSL and could have an upper hand against his former teammates in knowing what they can bring to the table.
Sibusiso Vilakazi: Now a veteran in the local game, Vila will be looked upon as Sekhukhune’s creator in chief. The 33-year-old showcased glimpses of his class as he made his way back to the playing field last season and will no doubt be one of the first names on Truter’s team sheets.
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Junior Mendieta: With Stellenbosch FC, the Argentine built a reputation for himself as being one of the craftiest midfielders in the PSL. As a marquee signing for Mokwena, Mendieta will fit into the possession-heavy style of play at Sundowns.
Lucas Costa: Adding to the strong South America contingent at Chloorkop, Costa is a dynamic and typically skillful Brazilian forward. Largely unknown to South African football, Costa will provide numerous questions to opposition defenders this season.