Downs aim for momentum in Betway Premiership

Reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will look to add another victory to their name in the league this week when they take on Magesi FC at the Seshego Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

While Sundowns are in between Betway Prem and MTN8 assignments, the Brazilians are unbeaten in their first four matches across the board this season.

Prior to Downs’ 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 quarterfinals this past weekend, the Tshwane side bagged a 2-0 win against AmaZulu in their most recent league outing.

Magesi on the other hand, jotted down back-to-back draws against Polokwane City and Stellenbosch in their first set of league games this month.

WHAT WAS SAID

After strengthening their side with former Sundowns striker Thabang Sibanyoni, Magesi coach John Maduka believes that the attacker’s grit will aid his side this season.

“He is going to help the team moving forward, you know. He is more of a No 9, a box player, and he works so hard,” Maduka said.

“Another thing about him is that he plays according to his strengths. But what we are going to try to do is feed him according to his strengths.

“We can’t change him to play any way we want because his presence in the box is something else. You could see he came in [against Stellenbosch FC]; he made a difference. The defenders could not relax because they know how deadly he is in the box. So, it’s good to have him back on the team.”

While Magesi have bolstered their squad, Sundowns are sweating over the fitness of Themba Zwane, who was stretchered off in the 13th minute against Pirates on Saturday.

“We are still awaiting a complete medical assessment on Zwane’s injury, but we hope that it is not too serious,” Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso revealed.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Magesi: Kgomotso Mosadi – After getting his name on the scoresheet against Stellies, Mosadi will hope to do the same against Sundowns this week. With confidence in his stride, Mosadi could cause Sundowns problems, particularly as he looks to make things happen from the number 10 position.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Arthur Sales – Sales has been one of Sundowns best’ players during the early exchanges of the campaign, particularly in the absence of Lucas Ribeiro, who is reportedly linked with a move abroad.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

2024/25 Magesi 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Magesi

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2024/25)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 1 0 0 1 1 2

Sundowns 1 1 0 0 2 0

Away

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 1 0 0 1 0 2

Sundowns 1 1 0 0 2 1

Total

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 2 0 0 2 1 4

Sundowns 2 2 0 0 4 1