Merely four (4) days from a meandering long trip to Morocco for the grueling CAF Champions League (CL) fixture, tonight, Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Stellenbosch FC in a league duel in Tshwane, Pretoria, just three days before another demanding Telkom Knockout (TKO) cup final in Durban. Again, three days later, they cross swords with Bidvest Wits at the same venue (Moses Mabhida Stadium) for the Absa Premiership stakes.
After a decent and exhausting 0-0 draw against Wydad Casablanca in the top continental tournament (CAF CL) in Morocco the previous Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns return home to face bottom-of-the-log Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria tonight.
The only Absa Premiership league on Wednesday, Dec. 11 match will start at 19h30. This fixture in particular was scheduled for Dec. 6, 2019 but it was postponed owing to Sundowns’ continental assignment.
The weather conditions have improved and the downpours subsided. The inhibiting sky in the capital appears relatively clear after a week-long of torrential rain. The “David and Goliath” battle is surely pretty set for a Wednesday night spectacle.
Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to rest some players ahead of the TKO Cup on Saturday against Maritzburg United at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban Dec. 14, 2019 – three days after tonight’s league clash.
The two league and cup matches within a space of four days which follow the Champions League match on Dec. 7, will be a test of character for Sundowns. Still, the Clever Boys [Wits] lay in wait for their league tie next Tuesday, Dec. 17 against Masandawana.
Although Sundowns have a hefty schedule to wrestle with, there is a depth of high quality players in their stable. Despite the fact that it is not ideal for coach Pitso Mosimane to alternate players at the drop of a hat, the circumstances are a stubborn challenge to beat. Him too, knows the reality of his predicament. It is a familiar provocation, unavoidable in all accounts.
In any event, the midfield-maestro Gaston Sirino was going to sit the Stellenbosch match out because of suspension, he will be available for Saturday’s prime TKO cup-final match. Somewhat a boost for coach Mosimane. Sundowns’ talisman Themba Zwane, regardless of being close to bouncing back to action, he may find the going tough due a relatively injury layoff should he make it to first eleven.
In tonight clash, Sundowns mette an unpredictable but sinking minion club flirting with relegation. Twelve-point Stellies have won two (2) games after 13 games and lay at the base of the league table on 16th position. Coach Steve Barker’s team faces an uphill battle visiting Pretoria today.
Meanwhile Masandawana are playing catch up at the summit of the log where Kaizer Chiefs lead by 34 points after 13 matches. The Pretoria club is behind 24-point SuperSport United by three (3) points [have accumulated 21] after 11 league encounters. Sundowns are confronted with a monumental 13-point chase massed before them to defend the championship.
The Capetonians [Stellenbosch] are not a bad side by all estimates. However, a match with CAF Champions League contenders and the reigning Absa Premiership kings will not be an easy huddle to clear, least of all away from home.
Nevertheless, both the premier clubs will slug it out for the maximum (3) points up for grabs tonight. A draw will serve neither team well. Because on top of the league standings, the gap will keep on gaping for Masandawana and, at the lower rungs, the Stellies‘ relegation woes will intensify.
Golden Arrows vs Bidvest Wits
Tomorrow, Dec. 12, Lamontville Golden Arrows will deck out the red carpet for Bidvest Wits at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, Durban, for a night [19h30] kick off.