Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs: ALL you need to know

Mamelodi Sundowns can take another giant step towards the Betway Premiership title with a win against Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns are strolling to the Betway Premiership crown

The Brazilians hold a commanding 12-point lead over their only credible challengers for the title, Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers have three games in hand, but recent history suggests that Sundowns will have enough in the tank. This coming weekend, Pirates fans will temporarily wear their Chiefs hats and hope the Glamour Boys can take points off the runaway leaders. Kickoff between Sundowns and Chiefs is on Saturday 01 March at 15:30.

Injury and suspension news

Four players are currently on the treatment table which you can see listed below. They must also battle the Brazilians without former Sundowns star Gaston Sirino, who’s suspended after a dismissal against SuperSport United. Chiefs lost 4-1 at Gavin Hunt’s Matsatsantsa side last time out.

• Sibongiseni Mthethwa
• Wandile Duba
• Edmilson Dove
• Dillan Solomons

Likely Starting XIs

Mamelodi Sundowns

Onyango; Khoza, Aubaas, Suarez; Morena, Mokoena, Adams, Tiwani; Ribeiro, Allende, Rayners.

Kaizer Chiefs

Bvuma; Blom, Miguel, Dortley, Cross; Maart, Cele; Lilepo, Shabalala, Vilakazi; Morris.

Head-to-head record isn’t good news for Chiefs

You have to go back to April 2021 for Chiefs’ last win over the South African champions in any competition. Ironically, Uruguayan Gaston Sirino was a goal-scorer for Downs on that afternoon. Downs are unbeaten in each of the last NINE H2Hs across all competitions.

When last were Kaizer Chiefs legitimately in the title race?

Below are the points gaps between Chiefs and that season’s league champions. It doesn’t make for great reading, if you’re an Amakhosi fan.

• 2023-2024: 37 points (more than their total tally of 36)
• 2022-2023: 26 points
• 2021-2022: 18 points
• 2020-2021: 31 points
• 2019-2020: 2 points
• 2018-2019: 20 points
• 2017-2018: 12 points
• 2016-2017: 10 points
• 2015-2016: 25 points
• 2014-2015: N/a (Champions)

Will Sundowns get the job done this Saturday?

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