Playing Downs is personal for Mere

Platinum Stars captain Vuyo Mere says any fi xture against Mamelodi Sundowns is always personal.

The two clubs have a continued rivalry both in the Premiership and cup competitions, with Dikwena being described as Downs’ hoodoo team. The sides’ last league meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, but Sundowns’ 3-1 victory in the Nedbank Cup in March remains fresh in Mere’s memory.

Downs are now in the final of the Ke Yona competition where they will face Ajax Cape Town at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on May 16. Tomorrow afternoon, the two outfits will face each other in another league fi xture at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, and Mere fired the first assault this week.

“It is always personal when we play Sundowns and we look forward to a great game,” the 31-yearold Mere said. “This is the last home game of this calibre so supporters must come in numbers to support and cheer for us.”

Downs will look to cash in on their game in hand and climb to second position, while coach Pitso Mosimane is looking to finish the season after losing out on the title to newly crowned champions Kaizer Chiefs.

The Tshwane side were relegated to third position on the log following a 1- 0 defeat by Amakhosi.

Dikwena, on the other hand, settled for a goalless draw against AmaZulu midweek, and because of their Ke Yona Cup exit, Mere said they were out to turn the tables.

“Sundowns do not see this coming. It is now payback time,” he declared.