After their disappointing 2–2 home draw against Al-Hilal Omdurman in the CAF Champions League at Loftus Versfeld over the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns now turn their attention back to domestic action as they face Sekhukhune United in a crucial Betway Premiership clash tonight.
The encounter takes place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Monday, January 27, and is of significant importance to both sides as the race for the league’s top spot continues to intensify.
Unlike last season, where the league title was virtually secured early by the Chloorkop-based outfit, the current campaign has proven far more competitive. Sundowns sit at the top of the log with 29 points, but they are under serious pressure from a rejuvenated Orlando Pirates, who are second on goal difference with the same number of points, and Kaizer Chiefs, who occupy third place with 27 points and remain firmly in contention for the title.
Sekhukhune United, meanwhile, have endured an inconsistent run of form after a promising start to the season. However, Babina Noko will approach tonight’s match with renewed confidence following a goalless draw against Pirates at the same venue over the weekend — a result that earned them their fourth point against the Buccaneers this season. Earlier in the campaign, Sekhukhune stunned Pirates with a 1–0 victory at Orlando Stadium.
Despite the positive result, the draw proved costly as Sekhukhune slipped from third to fifth place on the log, with Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu capitalising on favourable results to move into third and fourth positions respectively.
Victory for Sekhukhune tonight could propel them back into the top-three bracket, as they trail both Sundowns and Pirates by just three points, having accumulated 26 points so far this season
