SHOWDOWN: Downs v Chiefs
Uruguayan striker Maurico Affonso has scored three goals in as many games since making his debut for Mamelodi Sundown. He looks to be the classic scoring centre forward long missing in the PSL and could be the one to tilt the outcome Sundowns’ way.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ last-gasp goal to beat Highlands Park on Wednesday not only put them up to within one win of taking over at the top of the Premier Soccer League standings but injected even more spice into an already tasty encounter with Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.
It is a game that could shape the rest of the domestic season, even if both clubs have been trying to downplay down its importance and has captured punters’ imagination.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has claimed it will not make or break his bid for yet another league title if they do not beat Chiefs but the outcome will likely set the tone for many matches to come – for both clubs – and therefore have an influence on who lifts the league trophy at the end of the season.
What an absorbing game it promises to be.
Firstly, it is at Loftus Versfeld where football returns after a hiatus for pitch renovations which have, by all counts, left playing conditions in tip-top shape. This means a fast-paced tempo.
Sundowns go into the game unbeaten – the only one of the 16 sides still to lose a league game – but are playing for the third time in seven days.
Chiefs, conversely, will be well-rested after their outing last Saturday in Cape Town.
AmaKhosi have won six of eight league games this season and their fans are beginning to troop back after largely deserting the club in the previous campaign as they finished yet another trophyless season in ninth place and embarrassingly lost the Nedbank Cup final to lower league TS Galaxy.
Chiefs fans usually dominate the stands in games like this but Sunday is likely to see an even spread of supporters in an unusual phenomenon for South African football. It will make for a rollicking atmosphere.
Playing wise, Chiefs have not yet convinced despite climbing to the top of the table. Too often, they have had to scramble back into games and coach Ernst Middendorp is still far from settling on his ideal XI.
Sundowns are much more consistent in team selection even if Mosimane sometimes gambles on the fatigue factor. New Uruguayan striker Maurico Affonso has now scored three goals in as many games since finally making his debut and looks to be the classic scoring centre forward long missing in the PSL.
Could he be the one to tilt the outcome Sundowns’ way?