Mamelodi Sundowns will look to extend their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership and put the pressure on their nearest challengers when they host Mpumalanga Black Aces at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening, kick-off at 6pm (SA, CAT, GMT+2).
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However, despite the Brazilians being atop the league standings and in fine form, that will not deter their impending visitors as the Aces coach Neil Tovey clearly stated, “No team in this league is unbeatable. We are playing well enough, but we can simply not afford to be generous against Sundowns.”
Although Tovey may think his side is playing well, the results show differently. Aces have only picked up one point from a possible nine in their last three games and suffered a 3-1 beating at the hands of Arrows in their last league match.
AmaZayoni now find themselves second from bottom in the standings but a victory could well lift them clear of the danger zone and Tovey is aware of that, “Two wins and we will be right back in the mix in the middle of the table. So there is nothing in this league. My immediate goal is to get Aces into a respectable position in the league and take it from there.”
For Sundowns they will be under pressure to win with second- and third-placed Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows on their heels and only playing after the Brazilians. If ‘Downs lose and either of the other two win they will lose their place on top of the table.
One man who might return to action after injury and is hoping to extend his side’s lead at the summit of the Absa Premiership is striker Katlego Mphela.
In regards to the upcoming fixture Mphela said, “In football you are only as good as your last game so I hope to put in a good performance if given a chance. I want to do what I do best which is to score goals. We respect Aces but that respect goes out of the window when the whistle blows. We have a mission which is to win the league and we have to dominate our opponents.”
In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Aces have met 27 times in the league since 1985. The Brazilians have won 20 games to AmaZayoni’s four and only three matches between the teams have ended in draws. Last season Sundowns did a league ‘double’ over Aces, winning 2-0 in Tshwane and 1-0 in the Mpumalanga province.
However, concluding matters Tovey was adamant his side can get one over ‘Downs come Saturday, “I am confident we will start moving up the table and hopefully that climb will start with a win over Sundowns.”
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