Khama & Carlos expected to wreck opposition at Photo :GIFT NDOLWANE
By SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – HIGH-FLYING defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have emerged favourites to retain their crown but face a tricky assignment against a side that condemned them to their first defeat of the season.
Revenge will thus be at the back of The Brazilians’ mind when they travel to Athlone Stadium on Friday for a clash with Cape Town City FC, who are also oozing with confidence after an excellent debut season.
Kickoff is 20h00.
In the earlier fixture between the two sides on October 30, the visiting Cape Town team shocked Sundowns 2-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria .
City skipper, Lebogang Manyama, was the Sundowns’ destroyer with a brace that afternoon while defender Thabo Nthete scored the solitary goal for the Brazilians.
The defeat appeared to have been a wake-up call for Pitso Mosimane’s side who have gone on to win a continental double-the Confederation of African Football Champions League and the Confederations Cup.
They have also revived their domestic title hopes, the latest show being a 2-0 victory over Bidvest Wits at their Loftus Versfeld Stadium fortress.
This has arguably been their biggest test so far this season. The win left them fifth with 32 points from 14 matches. Downs have five games in hand over some rivals.
Meanwhile, also on Friday inconsistent Platinum Stars host stubborn Chippa United at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Wits will be eager to revive their title hopes when they host troubled Bloemfontein Celtic at the Bidvest Stadium in Braamfontein.
Kickoff for both matches is 20h00.
The biggest match of the weekend is undoubtedly the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.
Two other derbies are on the cards.
Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United will contest a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday evening.
Polokwane City play last-placed Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo on Sunday afternoon. Free State Stars host relegation threatened Highlands Park at Goble Park Stadium. Both matches kick off at 15h30.
A day earlier, log-leaders Supersport United host Ajax Cape Town at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 20h15.
– Guardian
