Polokwane City will be out to cause a major upset when they meet league holders Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership encounter at Loftus on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.
The Brazilians got their title assault back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Free State Stars at the weekend.
'Downs now need to build on that result and ignite a winning run similar to that of last season if they were to eclipse Kaizer Chiefs and retain their domestic crown.
Pitso Mosimane's men head into the midweek clash 11 points behind the Amakhosi with a game in hand.
Defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele understands the importance of the game adding that 'Downs are eager for a much needed confidence booster ahead of their Caf Champions League first round tie against TP Mazembe at the weekend.
"Obviously we lost a big game against Bidvest Wits and we had to bounce back and make amends. We managed to do just that and will be eager to keep that momentum going," said Mphahlele.
Mphahlele is under no illusion of the task that lies ahead knowing Polokwane will head to Pretoria with a different mindset under Kosta Papic.
Papic has installed an attacking style at the Limpopo-based club and, heading into the clash, Rise and Shine are second on the league's goal scoring charts with 31 goals. Polokwane, though, have conceded the most, 38 goals in 21 games.
"Polokwane is a very tricky game for us, but I'm sure Pitso has compiled a strategy. They are very tricky side, they attack, attack and then attack again. We will have to be very cautious," Mphahlele continued.
"They don't sit back, they attack with a lot of numbers. At least for us it's one less team that won't be coming to our home ground and park the bus.
Polokwane played to their second league draw in 2015 when they were held 1-1 at Chippa United last week.
Midfielder Cole Alexander admits the game is a big one for his team, but insists even though they currently occupy a top eight spot, they aren't out of the relegation battle just yet.
"It is a big one for us, it won't be easy but we have been preparing well for the game. We didn't have a game over the weekend so we have recovered well," Alexander said.
"We first have to make sure we are clear of relegation, we are not safe yet and then we will move onto our next goal. So far we are doing well and we will be looking to pick up the points against Sundowns.
"Sundowns is the Real Madrid of South Africa, they have all the big players. Having said that, this will be a good game for us and a win will show the country that we can compete with the best. You always want to do well against the big teams."
In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Polokwane have met in three league matches.
The Brazilians have claimed two wins compared to one for Rise and Shine.
Sundowns’ only previous home match against Polokwane City was a 1-0 win in the second half of last season.
When the teams met earlier this season, goals from Cuthbert Malajila, Themba Zwane and Teko Modise took the Brazilians to a 3-0 away win.
No comments:
Post a Comment
drop your comment about your football hero, their fashion style, like who dresses most, who drink most ,who hang out most like going to club , who plays with woman most and so on