Downs hope to start firing in Sekhukhune clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes that his side are close to firing on all cylinders this season as the Brazilians prepare to face Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld in their next Betway Premiership assignment on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 8:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Downs go into their next league tie on the back of a two-match winless streak, after suffering a 2-1 loss against Magesi in the Carling Knockout Cup final before recording a 0-0 draw with Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League last time out.

However, Masandawana won each of their last two league encounters, namely against Cape Town City and Polokwane City respectively.

As it stands, Sundowns occupy second in the table, three points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates after seven matches played.

Arrows are likewise looking to stabilise their side heading into Saturday’s match after recording just two wins in their last five league outings. Abafana Bes’thende also jotted down two defeats and one draw during this period.

Following their 3-1 loss against TS Galaxy on Tuesday, Sekhukhune head into their tie in seventh position on the log.

WHAT WAS SAID

As matchday eight in the Betway Premiership marks its arrival, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes that the reigning league champions are edging closer to his desired style of football.

"I believe now we are at a stage where the team is getting closer to our combination that one wants to start firing at the right time not to have them firing early and have problems for ourselves,” Mngqthi said.

"We try to hide that as much as possible by rotating the team and ensuring every player has minutes on the legs.

"And I'm happy that almost every player has enough minutes and can contribute to the success of the club, for me, it is looking positive."

Following his side’s loss against TG Galaxy, Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema urged his side to forget about the result as they prepare for the Downs clash.

“I don't think we pitched [against TS Galaxy],” Seema said.

“I think we were flat ... the whole team. It's one game that we should forget about as quickly as possible, and the performance, because they [his players] were late in everything.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mamelodi Sundowns: Iqraam Rayners – With three goals to his name in six Betway Premiership matches played so far, Rayners will be eager to increase his tally against Sekhukhune on Saturday. After cementing his place in Mngqithi’s side, the striker has been one of the club’s most impressive options in attack this season.

Sekhukhune United: Keletso Makgalwa – The attacking midfielder has been a bright spark for Sekhukhune this season and could look to impress against his former club this weekend. Makgalwa’s direct running and trickery makes him a difficult customer to deal with, especially when he is afforded space and time on the ball.