With the Soweto and Manchester derbies hogging all the limelight, chances are some matches could easily be forgotten this weekend.
Just a reminder: Mamelodi Sundowns, under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane, will continue their efforts to escape from the relegation zone when they host Black Leopards at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow.
In his days at the helm of SuperSport United, Mosimane used to make life difficult for many a team at the same venue. It remains to be seen if the former Bafana Bafana coach can continue from where he left off five years ago by lifting Sundowns from the mire.
With the Brazilians sitting uncomfortably second from bottom on the Absa Premier League table, the only way for Downs is up. Motivation is in great supply at Sundowns with players eager to impress new man Mosimane as they want to become regular features in fixtures.
Mosimane also wants to prove a point to his critics that he can still achieve success despite getting the sack from Safa.
As Downs boss Patrice Motsepe is a hard man to please, it goes without saying that Mosimane will be out to prove to the mining magnate that he did not make a mistake by appointing him after the axing of Johan Neeskens.
Mosimane and his men withstood a tough challenge and got a point away from Free State Stars.
Though a point was a fair spoil considering the stature of their opposition midweek, tomorrow anything less than victory will not augur well for the Brazilians as they face Leopards who don’t have a reputation of doing well against Sundowns.
Since the 2001/02 season Sundowns and Leopards have met 16 times in the league. The Pretoria side emerged victorious on nine occasions while Lidoda Duvha tasted victory five times and two matches ended in draws. Last season the Sundowns did a league double over the side from Limpopo, winning 5-1 at home and 2-1 away. History shows that Leopards have been a great source of points and if this is anything to go by Mosimane should be assured of three points tomorrow.
So far this season Sundowns have not been impressive. Leopards on the other side have done relatively well. They are in position nine with 16 points.
The coaches of both sides have expressed confidence in their sides’ prospects of doing well this season.
Leopards coach Ian Palmer revealed that the humility of his players was very impressive hence his confidence that his men can get something out of the match.
Mosimane also had the cockles of his heart warmed by the progress his players are making. - Pretoria News