Sundowns look to continue title push

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Feb 18, 2019. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to continue their push for the Absa Premiership title when they host Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 19 February 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns return to winning form in the league when they defeated Black Leopards 3-0 at home on February 6. The victory was secured by a first-half strike from Lebohang Maboe, an own goal from Khomotso Masia and a late penalty from Ricardo Nascimento.

The Brazilians have claimed 14 points from nine home matches this season, though their only defeat this season came as hosts against AmaZulu late last month.

Polokwane suffered their first league defeat of 2019 when they were beaten 3-1 at bottom-of-the-log Maritzburg United on February 8. The Limpopo side has now won just once in their last five Premiership matches.

Rise and Shine have claimed 12 points from eight away matches this season. Their defeat in Pietermaritzburg was just a second loss on the road in 2018/19.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Sundowns have met in 11 league matches since 2013/14. The Brazilians have claimed six wins compared to three for Rise and Shine, while two games have been drawn. The Tshwane side has recorded two wins from their five matches as hosts in the rivalry, suffering one defeat in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Sundowns claimed a 2-0 win in Polokwane thanks to goals from Ricardo Nascimento and Lebohang Maboe. Four of the teams’ last six meetings have produced an away win.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 3-0 win over Leopards on February 6: Mweene, Morena, Nascimento, Arendse, Lakay, Laffor (Ngcongca 62’), Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane, Sirino (Tade 89’), Maboe (Mahlambi 71’).

Polokwane’s line-up from their 3-1 loss to Maritzburg on February 8: Chigova, Nkili, Mbonani, Hlongwane, Kalake (Musona 80'), W. Maluleke (Mashumba 38'), Seabi, Phiri (Mphambaniso 80'), J. Maluleke, Anas, Booi.