Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to close the gap on early Betway Premiership pacesetters Orlando Pirates when they host Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm. The fixture was originally scheduled for the opening weekend but was postponed following the death of Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
The Brazilians enter the encounter with four points from their opening two league matches, having beaten TS Galaxy 3-2 in their opening fixture before being held to a 1-1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns had to work hard for the victory against Galaxy after finding themselves in a difficult contest, while against Chiefs they were forced to come from behind after Langelihle Phili gave Amakhosi the lead. Cassius Mailula eventually rescued a point for Miguel Cardoso’s side.
The draw at FNB Stadium ended Sundowns’ perfect start across their opening competitive matches, but they remain unbeaten in the league and will see Wednesday’s encounter as an opportunity to return to winning ways.
Injuries and changes behind slow start
Although Sundowns remain one of the favourites for the title, their performances have not yet reached the dominant levels associated with the reigning African champions.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has attributed the slow start partly to changes within his squad and injuries to key players. The Portuguese coach has called for patience as he works to find the right combinations and solutions early in the campaign.
Sundowns have also been without important players, including Arthur Sales and Keanu Cupido, who are recovering from surgery, while Teboho Mokoena missed the opening league victory over Galaxy because of injury.
The early-season schedule has added another challenge. Sundowns have had to negotiate three matches in a short period, making squad rotation and player management particularly important.
Cardoso himself admitted before the Galaxy game that his team was “not at their best,” suggesting that the Brazilians are still searching for their rhythm.
Gallants looking for first victory
Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, arrive in Pretoria under pressure after a difficult start to their campaign.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have collected just one point from their opening two league matches, drawing 0-0 with newly promoted Kruger United before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC. They are, therefore, still searching for their first victory of the season.
The challenge facing Phuti Mohafe’s side could hardly be bigger, with Sundowns desperate to turn their possession and attacking dominance into three points.
Gallants will nevertheless take confidence from their recent meetings with Sundowns. Last season, they held the Brazilians to a 1-1 league draw and also eliminated them on penalties in the Carling Knockout after a goalless draw. Sundowns eventually got the better of them with a 3-1 league victory in March.
Three points crucial for Sundowns
With Orlando Pirates setting the early pace, Sundowns can not afford to drop more points if they want to remain close to the defending champions.
A victory at Loftus would take the Brazilians to seven points from three matches while also giving Cardoso’s charges the confidence of a convincing performance after two difficult league outings.
For Sundowns, the objective is clear: find their rhythm, turn their chances into goals, and collect three points.
For Gallants, it is about producing another upset against one of the country’s giants and finally getting their campaign off the ground.