Magesi brace for Sundowns' resurgence in Polokwane showdown

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile believes they are finally starting to tick under Miguel Cardoso, which could spell doom for Magesi in their Betway Premiership clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, January 22. Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2), live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM:

Bafana ba Style have a perfect record in the league since Cardoso replaced Manqoba Mngqithi at the helm on December 11, although their performances haven't always been as dominant as expected.

The Brazilians have only scored four goals in their last three outings, but they've done enough to remain three points clear of title rivals Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.

Cardoso's side brought the curtain down on 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Richards Bay on December 28, however, they have yet to feature in the league in the new year due to their CAF Champions League commitments.

Their first assignment of 2025 will be against Magesi, who are firmly entrenched in the relegation zone after picking up just one point from their last five top-flight encounters.

The Carling Knockout champions were dealt a massive blow when Clinton Larsen jumped ship in the wake of their 3-0 defeat to an All-Stars XI on December 21 and they are still winless under Owen Da Gama.

Dikwena tsa Meetse did well to hold a resurgent TS Galaxy to a 0-0 draw on January 6, only to be beaten 1-0 by AmaZulu seven days later which has left them bottom of the pile on seven points, two adrift of the Natal Rich Boyz (14th).

WHAT WAS SAID:

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile

"It's all about hard work, making sure that we are one and understanding what the coach wants from us. We do what the coach wants us to do, that's why you can see that we are ticking and finding our feet now.

"Change is good but not that much. It is something that comes which is different when you start the bus. It does not run that well but it takes time to tick.

"As you can see we have found our feet, we know how to move and where and what the coach wants from us. It is exactly what we are giving to him."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Magesi - Elvis Chipezeze played a starring role in the last meeting between the two teams as he produced a string of fine saves in the Carling Knockout final to earn his fourth Man-of-the-Match award in as many games in the competition. The Zimbabwean goalkeeper was in top form once more to ensure Dikwena tsa Meetse came away with a share of the spoils against Galaxy and he can expect another busy evening when Sundowns visit in Polokwane.

Mamelodi Sundowns - Peter Shalulile has found his scoring boots again after going 10 games without a goal in all competitions since finding the back of the net against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout on November 2. The Namibian striker stepped off the bench to score the equaliser against AS Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League on January 11 and he opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw with AS FAR last weekend as the Brazilians qualified for the quarterfinals.