Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming to equal the PSL top-flight record for the longest unbeaten run, which currently stands at 31 games, as they face Orlando Pirates in a mouthwatering midweek clash.
The Brazilians are presently on an impressive 30-game unbeaten streak, with their last defeat in the DStv Premiership dating back to September 2, 2022, when they suffered a 2-1 loss to SuperSport United.
Heading into Wednesday’s fixture, Banyana Ba Style is riding high on the back of a convincing 4-0 victory over Burundian side Bumamuru in the first leg of the second preliminary round of this year’s CAF Champions League.
The match showcased Lucas Costa’s remarkable start to life at Sundowns, as he scored a stunning brace. Additionally, the return of the fit-again Peter Shalulile, who netted his 105th goal for a PSL top-flight club, surpassing Tico Tico Bucuane (104), makes the team’s attacking lineup even more potent.
Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa believes Peter’s return is perfectly timed, stating, “Having Shalulile back is a blessing for us as a team. Of course, every player is important in our squad, but we are fortunate to have him back because it increases the options we have upfront. You know him; every game he plays, he always tries to score a goal. So I think having one more option in our attacking lineup will increase our chances of being more ruthless in front of goal.”
Following the clash against Pirates, Sundowns face another crucial encounter against Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN Cup semifinal second leg on Saturday.
Lebusa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the battle against the Soweto giants, emphasizing, “For us, the most important part is to win each game as it comes. We work so hard in training and try to ensure that for each game we play, we respect it and make sure that our supporters are happy. We don’t try to look ahead of ourselves; we treat each game and each competition as they come.”
In contrast, the hosts enter Wednesday’s fixture following a 1-0 defeat away to Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie. However, the Buccaneers have lost just once in the league and are led by Zakhele Lepasa, who has scored an impressive 10 goals in eight matches across all competitions this season.
Despite Lepasa’s prolific scoring form, Lebusa stressed that the focus remains on the entire team rather than individual players, saying, “First and foremost, I must say he is in incredible form and I believe it’s beneficial for the country. However, our primary focus remains on the team as a whole. Our strategy involves cutting off the supply to him and ensuring we minimize their chances. We emphasize team play rather than individual efforts.”
The Sundowns defender also added, “It’s nice to be tested by someone who is in such exceptional form because it demands high levels of concentration, meaning one needs to stay alert throughout the match. It’s such a huge game that requires everyone to be on their toes.”
So far this season, Mamelodi Sundowns have maintained an unbeaten record in nine games across all competitions, securing eight wins. Impressively, they have scored in every game they have played this season. The Tshwane giants have also enjoyed a perfect start to the DStv Premiership with six wins in six matches, establishing a four-point lead at the top of the table.
The highly anticipated clash between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Orlando Pirates is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 20th, at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, with kick-off set for 19h30.
Congratulations to Masandawana….well managed game….thank you….again Congratulations to pirates…what a group of players….it took them..for others to see my point…hope our coaches humble themselves and egos aside…sundowns I very thin…Sirino has shown he wants to play…what’s wrong with that…we really need good players…whether he wanted to leave..it not because he suddenly hates coaches or our team….personally…it will always annoys current players when new one get the start….and even the injured one come back..you still sitting at the stands….come on…yes Rhulani..maybe tactically you doing good but..managing players has nothing to do..with skill but..understanding your players…it’s not everyday what’s in your mind..will be exactly on the field…they are your babies this thing of …we can survive without you..is low standard of integrity…and lack of wisdoms….surely we can survive without both coaches…but in
life..we always need each other especially when we not our best..know for…..I love my team..but what I saw second half…is what we need to learn from…I think 8 yellow cards..2 or 3..suspended..against Chiefs….think about it…let the player Apologize on the field of play…good knight…Masandawana