SuperSport are in dire need of a turnaround, having not secured a win in their last four league outings. Their recent 2-1 loss to AmaZulu FC marks their third consecutive defeat, leaving them languishing in 11th place. They trail by three points behind Golden Arrows, who are set to face Cape Town City FC.
Contrastingly, Sundowns are in top form, unbeaten in their last eight matches with a remarkable eight-match winning streak. Their latest triumph was an emphatic 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows. This has positioned them comfortably at the top of the table, six points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand.
SuperSport will miss the services of Bradley Grobler, Thulani Hlatswayo, and Grant Margeman due to injuries. Additionally, Lebohang Maboe, on loan from Sundowns, will not participate due to an agreement between the clubs.
On the Sundowns side, Bathusi Aubaas is suspended, while Siyabonga Mabena, Themba Zwane, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, and Rivaldo Coetzee are sidelined through injuries.
Matsatsantsa's coach Gavin Hunt has expressed frustration over the situation with Maboe, noting, "He adds value to us but agreements were done... I have just been told he can't play, so that is a big blow to us." Hunt also highlighted the unpredictability of his team's lineup, "If you can tell me my starting XI for Wednesday I'd be lucky man."
Sundowns' coach, Miguel Cardoso, emphasized focus on the immediate challenge, stating, "I cannot think about the next one before I play this one because I need the weapons to win the games."
For SuperSport, Vincent Pule could be crucial with his recent contributions, having both scored and assisted in the last couple of games.
For Sundowns, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, with his seven league goals and four assists, alongside Peter Shalulile, who has scored four goals in his last four matches across all competitions, are players to keep an eye on.
Recent history favours Sundowns, with SuperSport managing only one win in the last ten league encounters. The last meeting this season ended 2-0 in favour of Sundowns with goals from Rayners and Ribeiro.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on whether SuperSport can break their losing streak or if Sundowns will continue their march towards another league title. Kick-off is scheduled for 19h30 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Malongoane has urged Amakhosi supporters to remain patient with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, arguing that the pair needs time to understand the unique demands of South African football.
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has admitted his side continues to struggle in front of goal but insists the team is working hard to solve the problem ahead of Sunday’s clash with TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is keeping his focus sharply on the Carling Knockout Cup title as his team tops the Betway Premiership table with 28 points after 12 games.
Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised a select few PSL teams for their progressive style of play while criticising the majority for adopting what he calls "negative football."
