‘Downs enter post Mosimane era

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 16, 2020. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will enter their post Pitso Mosimane era when they host Bloemfontein Celtic in the quarterfinals of the MTN8, set for the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday 18 October 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

Sundowns dramatically claimed a third successive Premier Soccer League (PSL) title when they edged Kaizer Chiefs on the final day of last season, though their joy lasted only a few weeks before the shock news that manager Mosimane – who had been in charge since 2012 – had resigned and left for Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

This leaves Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi in the uncertain scenario of co-coaches heading into the season, though ‘Downs have already made significant signings such as Kermit Erasmus and Mothobi Mvala.

The Brazilians are three-time champions of the top eight competition, though their last triumph arrived back in 2007 – before the start of the MTN8 era. Last year they were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by SuperSport United in the semifinals.

Celtic shrugged off financial uncertainty in 2019-20 to come home in a highly creditable eighth-place – their second successive top-half finish. Coach John Maduka will hope to build on that success in this campaign, though they have lost some key players such as Wandisile Letlabika and Ramasimong Maloisane.

Phunya Sele Sele won the top eight competition in 2005, while their MTN8 appearance last year ended in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

In head-to-head terms, Celtic and Sundowns have met in 15 previous cup matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 11 wins compared to three for Phunya Sele Sele. The teams’ most recent cup clash was just last month, with ‘Downs defeating Celtic 1-0 – thanks to a late goal from Gaston Sirino – in the final of the 2020 Nedbank Cup.

Overall, the teams have clashed in 79 matches across all competitions since 1985, with Sundowns picking up 43 wins compared to 16 for Celtic, while 20 games have ended in draws. The teams’ two league meetings last season both went the way of the Brazilians, who won 2-1 home and away.

Mamelodi Sundowns v Bloemfontein Celtic – Head-to-head

All cup results (since 1985)

Season Cup Result Scorers

1987 Mainstay, 2nd round Celtic 2-1 Sundowns Saila 2; Cheou

1988 JPS, quarterfinal Sundowns 2-1 Celtic Chafunya 2; Saila

1989 Bob Save, qfinal Sundowns 3-1 Celtic Chitja, Legodi, Nakhumwa; Dandize

1993 Coca-Cola, qfinal Sundowns 0-1 Celtic Skosana

1996/97 Coca-Cola, 1st round Celtic 0-1 Sundowns Mudau

1999/00 Rothmans, qf, 1st leg Celtic 2-3 Sundowns Nikane, Matsau; Mnguni 2, Shai

1999/00 Rothmans, qf, 2nd leg Sundowns 3-1 Celtic Mudau, Shai, Amougou; Vries

2007/08 SAA Supa8, qfinal Sundowns 4-1 Celtic Moriri, Mhlongo, Leremi, Ngwenya; Mahlatsi

2011/12 MTN8, quarterfinal Sundowns 1-0 Celtic Khenyeza

2012/13 Telkom KO, final Celtic 1-0 Sundowns Mogorosi

2013/14 Telkom KO, 1st round Celtic 0-4 Sundowns Wome, Mzava (og), Billiat 2

2015/16 MTN8, quarterfinal Sundowns 1-1*Celtic Abdul Razak; Bilankulu

2018/19 Telkom KO, 1st round Sundowns 1-0 Celtic Sirino

2019/20 MTN8, qfinal Sundowns 3-1 Celtic Zwane, Lebusa, Makgalwa; Mabena

2019/20 Nedbank Cup, final Celtic 0-1 Sundowns Sirino

*After extra time, Celtic won 4-2 on penalties

Cup competitions

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 15 11 1 3 28 12

Celtic 15 3 1 11 12 28

Last 10 league results

Season Result Scorers

2015/16 Celtic 0-1 Sundowns Laffor

2015/16 Sundowns 1-3 Celtic Arendse; Lakay, Abdul Razak, Phalane

2016/17 Celtic 0-1 Sundowns T. Zwane

2016/17 Sundowns 0-0 Celtic

2017/18 Sundowns 4-1 Celtic Sekotlong, Mabunda, Tau, T. Zwane; Pfumbidzai

2017/18 Celtic 0-0 Sundowns

2018/19 Celtic 0-0 Sundowns

2018/19 Sundowns 0-0 Celtic

2019/20 Celtic 1-2 Sundowns Motebang (pen); Lebusa, Zwane (pen)

2019/20 Sundowns 2-1 Celtic Vilakazi, Kekana; Mabena

All competitions (since 1985)

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 79 43 20 16 102 69

Celtic 79 16 20 43 69 102