Baroka FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns – our predictions

This time, the two go head-to-head again as they cast their verdict on the winner of this afternoon’s Absa Premiership clash between Baroka FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Why Baroka will win (Jonty Mark, Phakaaathi Editor)

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to have their title credentials tested on Sunday as they take on Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Baroka were surprise early-season pace-setters in the South African top flight, but it is Sundowns who have shown their might as the season has progressed, and they remain favourites to win the league, even with the pressure being applied by Orlando Pirates.

Bakgaga were unbeaten in their opening eight league games, but slumped rather from then on, and this year head coach Kgoloko Thobejane was given the boot. Macdonald Makhubedu has stepped in, and the results have been solid, if unspectacular.

Baroka have scored a notable home league win over Cape Town City and they reached the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, but were knocked out last weekend by Kaizer Chiefs.

The Limpopo side, however, did put up a good fight against Amakhosi, and they do often raise their game against the so-called bigger teams.

Baroka have not beaten Sundowns in three attempts, and were hammered 4-0 in December. Pitso Mosimane’s men are in a fine vein of form right now too, but I just fancy Baroka to spring a surprise here and nick this one 1-0.

Prediction: Baroka FC 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

Why Sundowns will win (Khaya Ndubane, Online Content Manager)

Mamelodi Sundowns go into this afternoon’s clash against Baroka knowing that they need a win in order to open a gap between themselves and second-placed Orlando Pirates.

A win against Baroka will increase the Brazilians’ lead to four points and with Pirates playing on Wednesday, the lead could come in handy for Sundowns. Pitso Mosimane’s men are well aware of this and I’m sure they’ll go all out for the three points this afternoon.

Baroka are yet to taste victory against Sundowns since they got promoted to the Absa Premiership last season. In the three matches between the sides, Sundowns have won two and the other one ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Brazilians handed Bakgaga a 4-0 drubbing in the first round of the 2017/18 in December. I therefore see this dominance continuing this afternoon, with Sundowns registering a comfortable win.

Prediction: Baroka FC 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 3