Sekhukhune out to deny SuperSport top spot

Sekhukhune United will be looking to deny SuperSport United the DStv Premiership top spot when they meet at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 5:45 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Babina Noko stretched their winless run to three matches across all competitions when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates on Tuesday and it was also their third consecutive defeat.

Sekhukhune find themselves placed 13th on the DStv Premiership standings - five points above the relegation zone and a win over SuperSport will see Babina Noko move further away from the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, SuperSport are undefeated in their last three games across all competitions having been held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City on Wednesday and they have won two games in a row.

Matsatsantsa are occupying the second spot on the DStv Premiership standings - a point behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns and a win over Sekhukhune will elevate the SuperSport to the top of the log.

TEAM NEWS

Sekhukhune have no suspension concerns, but Linda Mntambo and Trésor Tshibwabwa are busy with their injury rehabilitation.

SuperSport, on the other hand, will be without the suspended Ronald Pfumbidzai while Siphesihle Ndlovu is currently injured.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Sekhukhune United senior coach MacDonald Makhubedu

“The boys were positive about the changes [against Pirates] even yesterday at training we did our regenerations," Makhubedu said.

"We did our analysis. Even in camp they were positive. I saw good body language. The change [of coaches] didn’t affect them that much.

“All the teams are ambitious because we all want to do well in the league. But I can repeat for the fourth time, the team is good and well prepared since the first game.”

SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt

“We have to blame ourselves a little because we missed chances [against Polokwane] but it wasn’t a free kick for their goal. So anyway just the overall thing tonight, the way it was handled,” Hunt said.

“I am not worried about that [missing out on being No 1]. You have a small squad, we just need to do the best that we can.

"That’s what we can do, take one game at a time, but it is what it is. It’s unbelievable. Obviously, we haven’t played a home game yet, but we are fine. We are doing the best we can.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sekhukhune United:

Jamie Webber: The influential midfielder has grabbed two goals and two assists from nine league matches this season. Webber will be eager to haunt his former employers by inspiring Sekhukhune to a win.

Chibuike Ohizu: The left-footed striker remains Babina Noko's main source of goals three) in the DStv Premiership in the current campaign and he will pose a threat to the SuperSport defence in the box.

SuperSport United:

Lyle Lakay: The experienced left-back is in great form at the moment having grabbed an assist against Polokwane after scoring twice in the win over TS Galaxy. Lakay will pose a threat to Sekhukhune from set-pieces.

Etiosa Ighodaro: The hard-working centre forward netted against Polokwane after providing the assist for the winning goal against Galaxy and he will be keen to propel his side to a win in Polokwane.

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 SuperSport 0-1 Sekhukhune Patjie

2021/22 Sekhukhune 0-0 SuperSport

2022/23 SuperSport 3-1 Sekhukhune Grobler, Ditlhokwe, Gabuza; Masiya

2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-0 SuperSport Gyimah

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2021/22)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 2 1 1 0 1 0

SuperSport 2 1 0 1 3 2

Away

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 2 1 0 1 2 3

SuperSport 2 0 1 1 0 1

Total

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 4 2 1 1 3 3

SuperSport 4 1 1 2 3 3