Sundowns look to claim hat-trick of titles

Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates goal with teammates

Friday Sep 04, 2020. 18:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to claim a third successive Absa Premiership title when they wrap up their 2019/20 season with a match against Black Leopards at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday 5 September 2020, kick-off at 15h30.

Sundowns kept themselves right in the title hunt when they defeated Polokwane City 3-0 away from home on September 2, with goals from Anele Ncongca, Themba Zwane and Keletso Makgalwa. The Brazilians, who have claimed 30 points from 14 home matches this season, will need to either better the result of rivals Kaizer Chiefs or rack up a big victory to take top spot on goal difference.

Leopards took a major step toward survival when they defeated Bidvest Wits 1-0 at home on September 2 thanks to a goal from Mwape Musonda. Lidoda Duvha, who are a point clear of the relegation playoff berth, have taken just eight points from 14 away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Sundowns have met in 21 league matches since 2001/02. The Brazilians have claimed 14 wins compared to five for Lidoda Duvha, while just two games have been drawn. The Tshwane side has recorded eight wins, one draw and one defeat from their 10 home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Thohoyandou Stadium in October 2019, Sundowns claimed a 2-1 away win thanks to an own goal from Chris Katjiukua. The Brazilians have won eight straight league games against Lidoda Duvha.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 3-0 win over Polokwane on September 2: Mweene, Ngcongca, Nascimento, Madisha, Langerman, Mkhuma (Meza 68’), Kekana (Mabunda 90’), Coetzee, Zwane (Mkhulise 90’), Sirino (Makgalwa 75’), Maboe (Lakay 75’).

Leopards’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Wits on September 2: Ndlovu, Zulu, Masia, Gyimah, Mudau, Abubakar, Makgetlwa, Matlaba, Mokoena, Hlongwane, Musonda.