Masandawana are determined to restore their three-point lead at the top of the log with a win, but they will face a revitalized Team of Choice
Mamelodi Sundowns will look to extend their winning run to six games in the PSL when they host Maritzburg United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
Masandawana are in a buoyant mood after clinching their first trophy of the current campaign with a 3-2 win against Cape Town City on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the MTN8 final over the weekend.
The Tshwane giants have now turned their attention to the PSL where they are playing catch up as they have two games in hand, but they remain at the top of the league standings albeit only on goal difference.
Sundowns will be up against a Maritzburg side who snapped their three-match winless run when they edged out TS Galaxy 1-0 at home on October 23 and it was only their third win of the season.
The Team of Choice are currently placed 10th on the league standings and a rare victory over defending champions Sundowns, who remain undefeated this term, would take them into the top eight.
However, it will be a mammoth task for the KwaZulu-Natal side as the last time Maritzburg defeated Masandawana in a league game was in September 2012 with Delron Buckley grabbing a brace in a 2-1 win in Tshwane.
| Game | Mamelodi Sundowns vs Maritzburg United |
| Date | Wednesday, November 3 |
| Time | 17:30 SA Time |
TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch
| Online Streaming | TV Channel |
|---|---|
| DStv.com/DStv Now App | SuperSport TV’s PSL channel 202 |
Squads & Team News
Sundowns playmaker Lebohang Maboe remains sidelined by a long-term injury and striker Thabiso Kutumela is doubtful after picking up a knock during the MTN8 final.
While attacker Gaston Sirino missed the final due to injury having failed a late fitness test, but Sundowns co-head coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena were able to unleash a strong team against City.
Peter Shalulile is the player to watch out for in the Masandawana team having struggled against City, and the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season will be determined to produce an improved performance against Maritzburg.
Meanwhile, Maritzburg are expected to be without their club captain Phumlani Ntshangase, with the experienced central midfielder nursing a leg injury.
The Team of Choice’s head coach Ernst Middendorp may have to find a way to mastermind a win over Sundowns without Algerian-born French left-back Fares Hachi and experienced left-sided player Keegan Ritchie, who are also out injured.
Alfred Ndengane might be assigned to man-mark Shalulile after the no-nonsense defender produced a Man of the Match performance against Galaxy, while Bongokuhle Hlongwane will look to create problems for the Sundowns defence with his devastating speed.
Match Preview
In head-to-head stats since the 2005/06 season, Sundowns and Maritzburg have clashed in 30 league matches.
Masandawana have dominated this rivalry having registered 19 wins compared to three for the Team of Choice, while eight matches ended in draws.
Sundowns also have a good home record against Maritzburg having recorded 11 wins, three draws and one defeat from 15 home league matches as the hosts.
The Tshwane giants collected four points from Maritzburg last season as the two teams drew 1-1 at Harry Gwala Stadium in December 2020.
Before Masandawana claimed a 2-0 win at Loftus Versfeld in May 2021.
Source: Source: Goal
