If Mamelodi Sundowns’ current run of form in their 20-game unbeaten streak in all competitions is anything to bet on, then Orlando Pirates should brace themselves for being rolled over by the yellow machine.
The two sides clash in the Absa Premiership match at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto’s Orlando East on 10 February at 6.30pm.
The struggling Buccaneers, who may have finally found their footing after two successive wins against Ajax Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, could be the team to break the camel’s back and send the Brazilians back to the drawing board.
Sundowns’ strike force of Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro, Anthony Laffor and Keagan Dolly are in superb form and if they are on song again, a win for the Brazilians could send them well on their way to winning the league.
The league is currently a three-horse race, with Sundowns leading the pack with 42 points, six points ahead of their nearest rivals, Bidvest Wits, with Mpumalanga Black Aces another point adrift.
While the Brazilians have a clean bill of health and no suspensions, embattled Bucs coach Eric Tinkler, who has breathed a sigh of relief following his two wins in a row against AmaTuks and the Urban Warriors, will have to do without hardworking captain fantastic, Thabo Matlaba.
Matlaba picked up his fourth yellow against AmaTuks over the past weekend and will be suspended for two matches. His telling runs, creative scoring opportunities and his skill at marshalling his troops will be greatly missed by Tinkler.
Brazilians mentor Pitso Mosimane knows that a win for his side will be the cherry on the top in their quest to claim the 2015/16 Absa Premiership title, and could possibly be the game to decide whether the league trophy goes to Tshwane or remains in Johannesburg with possible league winners, the Clever Boys.
