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Downs aim to capitalise on faulty Rockets

football21 February 2025 11:10| © Backpage TXT
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TS Galaxy © Getty Images

Mamelodi Sundowns will hope to maintain their winning form in the PSL this weekend when they take on TS Galaxy in their reverse Betway Premiership fixture at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 5:45pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 loss against TS Galaxy in the league on the 11th of February, which happened to be only their second defeat of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign.

Nevertheless, Downs re-entered the winning column thereafter, with wins over Mpheni Home Defenders and Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup and Betway Premiership respectively.

As it stands, Sundowns hold a 12-point lead at the top of the pile, while secondplaced Orlando Pirates played three games less than their title rivals.

Galaxy’s positive run of form came to a grinding halt earlier this month and headed into their latest league assignment on the back of two consecutive losses.

After bowing out of the Nedbank Cup on the 14th of February, owing to a 2-1 defeat against Durban City, the Rockets picked up a 3-2 loss against Stellenbosch FC last time out. Adnan Beganovic and his charges currently occupy fifth position on the league table.

WHAT WAS SAID

Miguel Cardoso

In what were words that sparked major debate among supporters in the PSL this week, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his discontent at refereeing decisions made against his side.

“I think the red cards for Sundowns are becoming cheap. They are coming out very easy,” Cardoso said.

“In terms of dealing with another red card, the cards are becoming too easy to be given to our players.

“It has to do with teams against Sundowns, who always find moments to stop the game, to deal with moments where we are stronger, closer to scoring – and it happened again. It’s a way to manage the game. I can’t say anything.

“But in those moments, I never see yellow cards for (opposition) players wasting time.”

 

 

Reflecting on some of his players’ performances this season, TS Galaxy boss Tim Sukazi believes that a number of the Rockets stars deserve a call-up to the Bafana Bafana national team.

“They [Kulumani Ndamane and Samukelo Kabini] are the best defensive pairing in the league, I’m saying it loud and clear,” said Sukazi.

“They are national assets including Puso Dithejane and Kamogelo Sebelebele, they deserve to be in the national team. It makes no common logic for them not to be called.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TS Galaxy: Dzenan Zajmovic - The Belgian forward has been one of Galaxy’s best players this season after scoring six goals in 15 league appearances so far. Zajmovic was also one of the Rocket’s top performers against Sundowns last time out and will no doubt look to do the same this weekend.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Marcelo Allende – Despite playing in an ever changing Sundowns side, Allende remains a regular in the middle of the park for his club. In facing a hard running Galaxy outfit, Allende’s vision could reset the opposition backline, whether it be with a telling pass or late run toward the 18-yard-area.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five league games

2022/23 Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 TS Galaxy

2022/23 TS Galaxy 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

2023/24 Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 TS Galaxy

2023/24 TS Galaxy 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

2024/25 TS Galaxy 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

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