From Caf glory to PSL grind: Sundowns face Richards Bay test

Following their sensational Caf Champions League triumph, Mamelodi Sundowns’ next assignment in the Betway Premiership will be against Richards Bay at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

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

CURRENT FORM

Mamelodi Sundowns are currently leading the Betway Premiership standings, with their most recent league result being a 2-1 loss to second-placed Orlando Pirates.

The Pretoria outfit were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup by Kaizer Chiefs at the semifinal stage, however, they’re on a high after advancing to the Caf Champions League final last week.

Meanwhile, Richards Bay is placed 13th and is close to the danger zone. It is imperative for the KZN outfit to keep up the momentum from their most recent result, where they defeated fellow strugglers Cape Town City 1-0.

WHAT WAS SAID

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel feels his team is hitting top form at the perfect moment as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

“We’re very pleased to see everything coming together,” said Gabriel after the victory [against Cape Town City].

“This was a well-oiled performance – you could see all the departments functioning in unison. The way we moved, the way we pressed, the understanding between players – it was all there.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns – The Brazilian forward is currently leading in the race for the Golden Boot with 13 goals, and the match against Richards Bay offers him another opportunity to stretch his tally even further.

Thulani Gumede, Richards Bay – The 23-year-old midfielder scored his first goal in the Betway Premiership in their win over Cape Town City, and will be looking to put up another impressive performance when the KZN team faces the league leaders.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2022/23 Bay 0-2 Sundowns Mailula, Domingo

2022/23 Sundowns 1-0 Bay Morena

2023/24 Bay 0-1 Sundowns Mendieta

2023/24 Sundowns 1-0 Bay Mendieta

2024/25 Bay 0-2 Sundowns Sales, Ribeiro