The pressure will be firmly on Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns when the Betway Premiership resumes with a full programme of four matches on Wednesday evening, as both sides look to close the gap on early leaders Orlando Pirates.
Pirates moved to the summit on 10 points after Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Orbit College, leaving Chiefs and Sundowns three points behind on seven points each. Chiefs occupy second position, with Sundowns third, separated only by goal difference.
Both sides have the opportunity to move within touching distance of the defending champions, but they face contrasting challenges.
Sundowns host AmaZulu
Sundowns welcome AmaZulu FC to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in what promises to be one of the night’s biggest fixtures.
The Brazilians go into the encounter on the back of a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on August 19, a result that moved them onto seven points and level with Pirates and Chiefs at the time. Malibongwe Khoza and Cassius Mailula were the scorers for Sundowns.
Miguel Cardoso’s side opened their league campaign with an impressive 3-2 comeback victory over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on August 11 before drawing 1-1 against Chiefs at FNB Stadium on August 15. They then defeated Gallants 2-0 in their catch-up fixture.
Sundowns’ first three league results:
– TS Galaxy 2-3 Mamelodi Sundowns
– Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
– Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Marumo Gallants
AmaZulu, meanwhile, have also made a strong start to the campaign. They opened with a 1-0 away victory over Stellenbosch FC, drew 1-1 with Orlando Pirates and then defeated Siwelele FC 2-0. They therefore also entered Wednesday’s match on seven points.
The visitors will be confident of making life difficult for Sundowns, particularly because they have already taken points from the defending champions Pirates this season.
A victory for Sundowns would take them to 10 points, putting them level with Pirates, although the Brazilians would need to improve their goal difference to move above the Buccaneers.
Chiefs face tricky Richards Bay trip
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, face a potentially difficult assignment away from home when they visit Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
The Glamour Boys have collected seven points from their opening three matches and will be determined to return to winning ways after being held 1-1 by Sundowns at FNB Stadium on August 15.
Chiefs started the season impressively, beating newly promoted Kruger United 3-1 away from home before recording a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium. Their third match ended in a 1-1 draw against Sundowns.
Chiefs’ first three league results:
– Kruger United 1-3 Kaizer Chiefs
– Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 Sekhukhune United
– Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
The result against Sundowns means Chiefs have remained unbeaten in their opening three league matches, but the trip to Richards Bay represents another test for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges.
Richards Bay are still searching for their first league victory. They opened with a 2-1 defeat against Polokwane City, drew 1-1 with Chippa United and then shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Durban City. They have two points from three matches.
However, Chiefs cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. The Natal Rich Boyz have already shown that they can frustrate stronger opposition and will be eager to claim their first three points of the campaign in front of their home supporters.
Chiefs know that a victory would take them to 10 points, putting them level with Pirates at the top of the standings.
Four matches on Wednesday
All four Betway Premiership matches on Wednesday, August 26, are scheduled for 7:30pm:
– Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu FC — Loftus Versfeld Stadium
– Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs — Princess Magogo Stadium
– Polokwane City vs Milford FC — Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
– Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch FC — King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
The Polokwane encounter is another intriguing fixture, with Polokwane City looking to build on their opening victory over Richards Bay while Milford have already collected six points from their opening three matches.
At King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Golden Arrows will host Stellenbosch FC in another important battle. Stellenbosch have four points, while Arrows have three after three matches.
The pressure at the top
With Pirates already on 10 points after four matches, both Chiefs and Sundowns know that dropping points on Wednesday would allow the defending champions to strengthen their position at the summit.
For Chiefs, victory would put them on 10 points and potentially restore them to the top of the table.
For Sundowns, three points against AmaZulu would also take them to 10 points, but their final position would depend on goal difference and the result involving Chiefs.
With both traditional heavyweights desperate to keep pace with Pirates, Wednesday’s matches could provide another early twist in what is already shaping up to be a fascinating Betway Premiership title race.