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Sundowns eye bragging rights in prestigious Tshwane Derby

football11 March 2024 11:07| © Backpage TXT
By:BackpageTXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena will be eyeing bragging rights of the City of Tshwane this week, as the high-flying Brazilians prepare to host a stuttering SuperSport United outfit at Loftus Versfeld in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form

Following consecutive draws against Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates respectively, wins against AmaZulu and Chippa United saw Sundowns record back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since the 13th of December 2023.

More impressively, Downs are yet to lose a game in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign and amassed 45 points from 17 games played so far, as they sit comfortably in pole position.

While Rulani Mokwena’s side played two games less than their upcoming opponents, Gavin Hunt and company trail Sundowns by 13 points in 4th place.

As Sundowns regained top form, Matsatsantsa are now on a run of three consecutive stalemates in the DStv Premiership. SuperSport last tasted victory in the league on the 23rd of December 2023, where they bagged a 3-1 win against Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

What was said

"I think in terms of emotions, the rivalry is there. It's a rivalry, that's why it's called the derby. And over the years, both teams have been extremely successful, especially in the present history,” Mokwena expressed about the Tshwane Derby.

"There are a lot of trophies that are shared between SuperSport and Sundowns both in the league and cups. So, the prestige is there. But it's difficult to compare because the other one [Soweto derby] has the emotions and historical background.

"Of course, a derby is a derby ... everyone wants to dominate and have the bragging rights of a city."

“Well, we have been missing second position for the last four games,” Hunt said regarding his side’s recent run of form.

“And we should be six, seven points clear in second position. We are missing it because we draw, draw, draw so what can we do. But you know with the squad we’ve got and the youngsters we’ve got we are doing okay but it is what it is."

Players to watch:

Mamelodi Sundowns: Marcelo Allende – Allende has been one of the best players in the PSL this season and also, a crucial component to Mokwena’s set-up in midfield. With SSU expected to be well-organised from a defensive point of view, Sundowns could look to Allende to unlock the opposition defence with his vision and ball carrying abilities.

SuperSport United: Lyle Lakay – The former Sundowns man could look to prove a point against his previous employers and will be boosted by his recent upturn in form. Lakay saved his side from defeat in two of their last league outings and will once again be a goal threat going into the next encounter.

Head-to-head:

Last five league fixtures:

2021/22 Sundowns 2-2 SuperSport

2021/22 SuperSport 0-1 Sundowns

2022/23 SuperSport 2-1 Sundowns

2022/23 Sundowns 1-0 SuperSport

2023/24 SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns

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