As one of the most keenly anticipated fixtures on the PSL calendar, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United will do battle in the DStv Premiership on Monday evening with the fixture set to take place at Loftus Versfeld.
Kick-off is at 6pm (SA, GMT+2)
Downs will continue their league title bid on Monday evening, eyeing the scalp of Tshwane rivals SuperSport United. Coach Rulani Mokwane’s side are currently on a run of 10 straight wins in the league, as they lead the way atop of the log.
Despite SuperSport being a title challenger, Downs are 13 points ahead of Matsatsantsa and have amassed 40 points from 16 games this season.
Also, the Brazilians have made the most of home ground advantage this season, winning eight while recording the solitary defeat in nine games on their own patch.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Mokwena praised Gavin Hunt’s abilities to troubleshoot and compared him to a ‘honey badger’.
"There was a time, I think a couple of years ago, where Gavin Hunt made reference to a honey badger. He compared Steve Komphela to a honey badger," Mokwena said in his pre-match press conference at Chloorkop on Thursday.
"I would compare Gavin Hunt to a honey badger himself.
"Honey badgers are one of the smartest animals that you have. What makes it smart is that it comes with solutions. Gavin Hunt will come up with solutions, make no doubt.
"He will complain, saying he doesn't have Grant Margeman, who is one of his best players, but he will come with a solution because that's what honey badgers do.
SuperSport go into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Golden Arrows, a result that tainted their impressive run of recent results.
Other than the defeat to Arrows, SSU have won five out of their last seven DStv Premiership games, recording one draw during this time.
Hunt’s side are currently in third spot on the table, picking up 27 points in 15 league encounters this season.
While Mokwena spoke fondly of Hunt ahead of the tie, the SuperSport United mentor mentioned that a special code of conduct needs to be in place for coaches who voice their opinions about other coaches in the local game.
Hunt reacted to Morgan Mammila’s recent comments in the media, where the Chippa United coach fired back at a journalist who questioned whether he feels under pressure with the Chilli Boys.
“I don’t think it’s the right platform to comment about coaches,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a guy down who is making all the comments at the moment, you know who I’m talking about.
“He’s making, talking, maybe he’s looking for a job, I think. I mean you can’t be making comments about everything, it’s just ridiculous.
“You don’t talk about things like that, there is a special code of conduct you should have to talk about [other coaches]."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Marcelo Allende:The South American has been a crucial component in the Downs midfield and continues to be a regular under Mokwena. With an eye for a final pass, Allende could be the difference in a game that usually requires a player to provide an element of magic.
Themba Zwane:As one of the most experienced players in the PSL, Zwane remains the heartbeat of the team. The skilful midfielder thrives in big matches and will be relied upon to produce the goods against a quality laden SSU outfit.
SuperSport United:
Bradley Gobler:Consistent in front of goal, Grobler is SuperSport United’s top goal scorer in the DStv Premiership this season (7). Whether it be holding up play or running the channels, Grobler will pose many questions to the Sundowns backline.
Luke Fleurs:in facing inter changing attackers, Fleurs will have to be on his best behaviour against Sundowns. The Brazilians are known for their clever passing and movement on the edge of the area, which will force Fleurs to concentrate for the entire 90 minutes.