Sundowns, SuperSport set for Tshwane derby

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Apr 15, 2019. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United will meet for the latest edition of their derby rivalry in the Absa Premiership at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 17 April 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns played to their 11th draw of the season when they were held 0-0 away to fellow title hopefuls Orlando Pirates on April 1. The Tshwane side has won just two of their last seven league matches.

The Brazilians have claimed 19 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a goalless draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in early March.

SuperSport have put together a four-match unbeaten run in the league, though their last two outings have both been draws: 1-1 and 0-0 at home to Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City in mid March and April respectively.

Matsatsantsa have claimed 16 points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at Free State Stars in early March.

In head-to-head terms, United and Sundowns have clashed in 55 league matches since 1990. The Brazilians have dominated the rivalry, claiming 29 wins compared to 14 for Matsatsantsa, while 12 games have been drawn. The team in yellow have managed 12 wins from 27 home matches in the rivalry, suffering nine defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Lucas Moripe Stadium in December 2018, Sundowns claimed a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Lebohang Maboe and Lyle Lakay. The Brazilians are unbeaten in their last 11 league games against United.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Pirates on April 1: Onyango, Ngcongca, Arendse, Nascimento, Langerman, Morena, Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane, Maboe, Tade (Lakay 68’).

SuperSport’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Polokwane on April 13: Williams, Nhlapo, Khumalo, Kekana, Bhasera, Lebese (Mnyamane 66’), Mokoena, Furman, Modiba (Webber 78’), Rusike, Grobler.