After marching toward the MTN8 semifinals this past Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns will now face Golden Arrows in their latest DStv Premiership match, which is set to take place at the Lucas Masterpiece Moripe Stadium on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 3:00pm (SA, GMT+2)
Prior to their 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows in the MTN8 quarterfinals, Sundowns recorded back-to-back wins in the DStv Premiership.
Match Background
In kicking-off their 2023/24 league bid, Downs bagged maximum points against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this month.
Thereafter, coach Rulani Mokwena and company faced their first test of the season when they hosted Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium five days later. Goals from Lucas Costa and Neo Maema were enough for Downs to secure all three points, keeping their 100 per cent win rate intact.
As for Arrows, the Durban-based side go into their next game on the back of a morale boosting 2-1 win over Richards Bay at the King Goodwil Zwelithini Stadium last week.
In their first game of the season, Arrows could only manage to secure a point in a 1-1 draw against Moroka Swallows, as Tshegofatso Mabasa netted a 77th minute equalizer for the Dube Birds to deny Arrows a win on day one in the league.
Previous Meetings
Sundowns are the overwhelming favourites as far as the head-to-head record is concerned. The Chloorkop side have not lost a game against Arrows since November 2019, where Abafana Bes’Thende recorded a 3-2 win in the league.
Since then, Downs recorded six wins in 10 matches played across the board, with the two sides drawing level on four occasions.
Players to Watch
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Peter Shalulile: Used a substitute in Sundowns recent win in the MTN8, Shalulile could well have been rested for the upcoming tie against Arrows. The Namibian goal-getter will be eager to add to his goal tally this season, after opening his account against Sekhukhune United on the opening day of the DStv Premiership.
Golden Arrows:
Brandon Theron: As one of the club’s latest acquisitions, Theron will be eager to impress in his new surroundings. The right-back is known for his pace and industry, which could become a problem for Downs when defending counter-attacking situations.
What they Said...
Speaking after Sundowns’ victory over Swallows in the MTN8 quarterfinals, Mokwena lauded his side’s ability to create goal scoring opportunities and that the Brazilians have faced ‘formidable’ goalkeepers this season.
“Securing the victory was crucial, especially considering the tough nature of our opponents,” Mokwena said.
“We are creating so many chances and the goalkeepers we have faced so far this season have been very formidable, preventing us from scoring the way we want to.
“The scoreline might not fully reflect the game’s dynamics and it was a match where the result could have been different.”
Ahead of the MTN8 tournament this past weekend, Arrows completed the signing of Brandon Theron, who could feature in the upcoming tie agaisnt the Tshwane giants.
“Sthende Nation help us welcome Right back Brandon Theron to the Green and Gold family,” Arrows confirmed.
“Theron brings his expertise perfected playing for clubs such as TTM, highlands park & most recently Maritzburg United.”
Players who have played for both teams
There has not been much business between the two sides in recent years, however, Sundowns goalkeeper Ismail Wetanga was sent out on loan to Arrows for the 23/24 campaign. In the 21/22 season, Downs signed full-back Divine Lunga from Arrows but was sent back on-loan the season thereafter.
Prior to the abovementioned names, Downs completed the signings of Bongani Ntuli and Siyanda Zwane in the 14/15 campaign from Abafana Bes’Thende. Nonetheless, the duo struggled to make a name for themselves at Chloorkop and was eventually sold a couple of seasons thereafter.
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