Sundowns eyeing fifth consecutive league win

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes there is still much more to come from his team as they prepare to face DStv Premiership strugglers Richards Bay at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The defending champions have already opened up a five-point lead over the chasing pack, although they've played one game more than their title rivals.

Masandawana beat Chippa United 2-0 in Gqeberha on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the new season, having previously seen off Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows.

But Mokwena reckons the Brazilians will only get better as the campaign progresses, which serves as a grim warning to the other 15 clubs in the league.

"We are moving with every game, we are getting closer, and once we get minutes in the legs, we will be better," he said.

"We have a target on our back, everybody wants to beat us, and it is difficult to be us, but they say, 'heavy is the head that carries the crown'."

Results have not improved for the Natal Rich Boyz since they appointed Kaitano Tembo as their new head coach in the off-season.

Tembo started his tenure with a 2-0 loss to former employers SuperSport United before going down 2-1 to KZN rivals Golden Arrows.

Richards Bay finally put their first point on the board after sharing the derby spoils in a 0-0 draw with AmaZulu on Saturday, but they remain winless in the top flight in 17 games.

Tembo admits the task ahead is daunting to say the least, but is relishing the challenge of halting Sundowns' impressive 28-match unbeaten streak.

"It's worrying, but at the same time, I think it's an opportunity for the club to try and take a step further and improve from our last game," he said.

"I don't need to try and motivate the players in that game. It's a stage every PSL player wants to be, so it's also up to them to show who they are if they are ready to play in that stage."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay

Thobani Mthembu: The former Black Eagles midfielder was handed his first start against Usuthu after making his DStv Premiership debut as a second-half substitute in the home defeat to Arrows. Mthembu made some promising runs down the left channel and was presented with an opportunity to open the scoring in the 57th minute after being played in on goal, but dragged his shot wide of the right post.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Lucas Ribeiro: The off-season signing from Beveren has already made a huge impact for Sundowns, scoring in each of his first two appearances against Sekhukhune and Chiefs. Ribeiro also had a hand in the first goal at Chippa after his low cross was turned inadvertently in by Justice Chabalala for an own-goal. The Brazilian then saw his curling free-kick strike the inside of the right post before bouncing away from danger in the 44th minute.