Sundowns seek to pursue winning ways against an off-form Amazulu

Experienced players, brought in during the past window period, may turn Usuthu’s fortunes around

DEFENDING Dstv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will battle Amazulu in today’s headline fixture when the two sides meet at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 3pm.

The Brazilians, still buoyed by two consecutive victories over Chippa United and Golden Arrows, will be looking to continue their rich streak of form by damping down Usuthu’s prospects of a potential league title bid.

Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena admitted that his camp were well aware of the danger Brandon Truter’s men will pose, but relished the opportunity to go head-to-head with a difficult opponent.

“Amazulu are a very good team with very good players. As you can see from the work that went on in the transfer window, they are a very good technical team,” he said to members of the media.

“It’s going to be a difficult game for us, but we are happy. The more difficult for us, the better. They are averaging the highest number of shots from outside of the box and they are very aggressive in transition.”

Amazulu, on the other hand, are enduring a rough patch. Their two losses in three league matches mean they are heading for a clash against the champions while in the worst form possible.

The Kwazulu-natal-based side, however, have done relatively good business during the transfer window, landing numerous experienced heads – players who have been in situation like this and would arguably know what’s required to turn their fortunes around.

Individuals such as George Maluleka, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Gabadinho Mhango are expected to play starring roles in the near future for the club, and an away trip to Sundowns might be the right time to launch a revival.

In the day’s other fixture, Dstv Premiership rookies Richards Bay FC are riding a wave of confidence ahead of the visit of TS Galaxy. A series of passionate performances, matched with results, have landed them in third place after seven matches played.

Natal Rich Boyz head coach Pitso Dladla has been trying his hardest to make out that they are paying no attention to their current league position, a statement difficult to believe considering that they would have headed into their maiden season looking to avoid relegation.

Galaxy seem to be coming off their stride after making an impressive start to their 2022/2023 campaign.

Although they currently hold seventh place on the log, The Rockets have scored just three goals in seven matches so far, a terribly worrying stat for a side that can beat any team in the league on a good day.

Sead Ramovic’s men will look to veterans Sibusiso Vilakazi, Bernard Parker and Lindokuhle Mbatha to provide a spark upfront as they come up against a Richards Bay side that has conceded just three goals this season (the joint lowest in the league).

The two sides will battle it out at the King Zwelithini Stadium with a 5.30 kick-off.