Rampant Downs wary of Bucs

Mamelodi Sundowns are always the favourites in any DStv Premiership match, but an inform Orlando Pirates probably has more chance than most right now of breaking Masandawana’s winning streak this weekend.

The Buccaneers host the runaway leaders tomorrow at Orlando Stadium, and Jose Riveiro’s men are on a high following three wins on the spin.

Nine goals scored in that time also suggests they have found a solution to their goal-scoring woes.

Downs midfielder Neo Maema is expecting the Sea Robbers to come out for revenge, as Downs beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture a little over a month ago.

“As a team, we are expecting a highly motivated side…we know that no one needs motivation when it comes to such games,” said Maema.

“Pirates have the confidence and are in the mood for this game given their recent results. We anticipate that they will come at us with the same approach as when we played them the first time in the league.

“However, they are slightly different because they used to play four at the back but now they play with three defenders.

“Their game model has not changed much, they will still be difficult on the counter-attack and their supporters are going to be behind them because they are playing at home.

“It won’t be a surprise to (also) see them coming at us but we have our own processes and we know how to guard against such.”

While the Brazilians will reach 55 points if they get the better of Pirates, Maema has revealed that the instruction from Rulani Mokwena is that they should not lift their foot off the pedal.

If they do win all of their 10 remaining games, Sundowns can set a new record of 82 points.

“When it comes to the title race, it is about bettering the points from the previous season, but we are taking it one game at a time,” said Maema.