Sundowns’ revenge quest the pick of DStv Prem matches

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 13, 2023. 11:00

Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United will meet in the pick of DStv Premiership matches in South Africa, which sees eight matches spread from Friday 13 to Monday 16 January.

Sundowns and United will clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the early evening of Monday, with the former looking to keep up a winning run which was stretched to 10 league matches when they defeated Chippa United 2-1 on Tuesday.

The Brazilians will also have revenge on their mind, having lost to Matsatsantsa when the teams met in a league match back in September, and they are looking stronger than ever after prolific striker Peter Shalulile returned from injury with a goal against Chippa.

“He’s an important player for us. He is loved by the group. We saw how everyone celebrated when he scored. He is still the reigning Player of the Season and top scorer,” said ‘Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena.

The round opens on Friday evening with a potential thriller between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Usuthu’s Hendrick Ekstein looking forward to facing his former team: “Playing Chiefs will not be an easy task because of the way they are playing and they’re also coming off a loss,” Ekstein explained.

“So, both teams are looking to get maximum points. I think it’s going to be an entertaining game and I hope the best team on the day will win and that’s obviously going to be us.”

Saturday is headlined by Orlando Pirates looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they welcome Golden Arrows to Soweto, while Richards Bay will have the chance to claim second spot when they face Marumo Gallants in Rustenburg.

“Obviously, we are not in a situation that we would like to be in terms of points, it goes without saying. None of us, players, coaches and fans [are happy] I’m sure,” Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said.

“But we have a clear vision of the team we want to be in the future. Sometimes it takes a bit more time, but we are 100 percent sure of what we are doing. We have no doubt we will get there sooner rather than later.”

Saturday also features Stellenbosch FC and Chippa United hosting Sekhukhune United and Cape Town City respectively, while Sunday’s duo of clashes has Swallows FC hosting TS Galaxy and a KwaZulu-Natal derby between Maritzburg United and Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

DStv Premiership fixtures

Times CAT

Friday 13 January

19:30: AmaZulu v Kaizer Chiefs

Saturday 14 January

15:30: Marumo Gallants v Richards Bay

15:30: Orlando Pirates v Golden Arrows

17:30: Stellenbosch FC v Sekhukhune United

17:30: Chippa United v Cape Town City

Sunday 15 January

15:30: Swallows FC v TS Galaxy

17:30: Maritzburg United v Royal AM

Monday 16 January

18:00: Mamelodi Sundowns v SuperSport United