Mokwena rallies Sundowns supporters for City clash

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has pleaded with the Yellow Nation to come out in their droves and potentially witness history being made against Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, May 25.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

The Brazilians will be presented with the DStv Premiership trophy after the final game of the season, and they could have something bigger to celebrate after the 1-1 draw with TS Galaxy in midweek extended their unbeaten run to 29 games in 2023-24.

Bafana ba Style are on the cusp of becoming the first South African team not to lose a single match in the league, with the Citizens standing in their way of achieving a historic feat.

Peter Shalulile came to Sundowns' rescue when he scored an 85th-minute equaliser against the Rockets to prevent a first loss in top-flight 53 matches.

Mokwena is hoping Masandawana fans will pack the stadium on the final day to pay tribute to the players for a special campaign.

City struggled to get going in 2024 after ending the first half of the season as contenders for a top-two finish; they dropped out of contention following a 10-game winless run.

However, Eric Tinkler's side are looking to conclude proceedings on a high as they attempt to rain on Sundowns' parade in Pretoria.

The Citizens have drawn their last two meetings with the seven-time league champions and beat Richards Bay 3-1 last weekend to make it two wins in three outings.

What was said:

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena

"I hope the Sundowns supporters watched Manchester City over the weekend and how full the stadium was. Even though they were disappointed losing the quarterfinals of the Champions League there was a huge sense of appreciation for the fourth league title in a row.

"The special group has now delivered the seventh league title in a row. And for a team known as Masandawana and for a special enumeration, a special trophy handover.

"My plea is that they come and honour the players and fill up Loftus, and give the players the celebration and the atmosphere that they deserve. And that they also deserve the supporters because they deserve to celebrate it.

"These moments don't come forever and repeat themselves and stay forever. They got to enjoy the moment, they've got to enjoy the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, they've got to enjoy this period given to us through the grace of God."

Players to watch:

Mamelodi Sundowns - Peter Shalulile has hit form at the right time for the Brazilians after receiving criticism earlier this year for his lack of goals. The Namibian striker has now bagged three goals in his last four appearances to take his tally for the season to nine, although he is set to miss out on the Golden Boot, with Tshegofatso Mabasa topping the scoring charts on 15 goals.

Cape Town City - Darwin Gonzalez is enjoying a purple patch in the run-in after struggling to make an impact for City this term. The Venezuelan winger provided a brilliant cross for Lorenzo Gordinho to open the scoring against the Natal Rich Boyz last time out and should have gotten on the scoresheet himself on 85 minutes when he missed the target from close range.

Head-to-Head: (Previous DStv Premiership Meetings)

Matches - 5

Sundowns wins - 1

CT City wins - 0

Draws - 4