FILE PHOTO: Mamelodi Sundowns' head coach, Rulani Mokwena celebrating with players. PICTURE: Backpages
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0 JOHANNESBURG: The Tshwane giants are hot favourites to silence Pirates in their backyard.
The 2022/23 DSTV Premiership runner-ups Orlando Pirates and the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will collide in a clash of titans tonight at the Orlando Stadium in a highly anticipated league match. The two giants are back from continental commitments and will switch focus back to the domestic league.
The dominant champions were successful in Tanzania against Bumamuru, whom they thrashed 4-0, while Pirates suffered a setback in Botswana against Jwaneng Galaxy, who defeated them by a solitary goal.
The Tshwane giants are hot favourites to silence Pirates in their backyard and continue where they have left off last season when they defeated the Soweto club home and away in the 2022/23 season.
In terms of head-to-head, the Brazilians have the edge over Pirates. In the last five encounters, Pirates have only managed to win once, draw one and lose three against the mighty Downs. The Buccaneers, who need to get back to winning ways, are expected to show their league aspirations tonight and end Sundowns’ dominance over them in the league.
For Pirates forwards like Zakhele Lepasa, who has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, will be key for them to secure three points. In the same vein, Masandawana would be banking on the consistency and form of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has been impressive since joining the club before the season began.
Rulani Mokwena’s charges are chasing a record seven league titles in a row this season and have started the season like the house on fire. Sundowns, who are on an undefeated six-match run in the league, are sitting comfortably on top with a huge distance between them and the chasing pack.
The first-placed and the seventh-place clubs are renowned for their stylish and attacking football, which makes the coming match a must see.
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