JOHANNESBURG – Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits will battle it out for three points when they meet in an Absa Premiership clash at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday (kick-off at 3:30pm).
In the past three seasons, the championship has been shared between the two clubs with Sundowns winning it twice, and Wits once.
Here are three talking points ahead of what should be a thrilling clash.
Two side of the same coin
While both teams are chasing this season’s championship, they have had contrasting starts to the campaign. Sundowns’ failure to reach the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and the semi-finals of the MTN8 has also taken a huge toll on their title aspirations. They’ve recorded two draws and a single win in their last three matches, while their performances have left a lot to be desired.
Wits, who have been able to focus solely on the league so far, have made a terrific start to the season as they’ve bagged 16 points in eight matches and are top of the league table.
Expensive blunts vs average
The Brazilians have the most expensive attacking department in the PSL this season but they are yet to prove their worth so far. These superstars that include Toni Silva, Ali Meza, Jeremy Brockie, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Phakamani Mahlambi and Lebogang Maboe have jointly scored a mere seven goals in their 11 matches in all competitions.
On the other hand, the Clever Boys, who have so-called ‘average’ strikers have been in rampant form this season as the team have scored 12 goals in their eight league matches, while conceding just three.
Several players will want to follow in Sibusiso Vilakazi's footsteps and catch the eye of the national coach. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Out to impress Baxter
All the players, from both sides, who have been selected for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers squad against Seychelles - that will take place at FNB Stadium next Saturday and away the following Tuesday - will be hoping to make an early impression on national coach Stuart Baxter.
In their last qualifier against Libya; from Sundowns, it was only Sibusiso Vilakazi who made the starting XI while the Wits’ defensive trio of S’fiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi and captain Thulani Hlatshwayo were also in the line-up.
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The Star