Time for Downs to produce

The delivery phase of Mamelodi Sundowns three-year plan gets off the ground when they travel to tricky Silver Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe has sternly told his star-studded team that he wants the Premier League title at Chloorkop at the end of the season.

After successfully defending the Telkom Charity Cup for the second season running, an air of expectation is again hovering over the Brazilians headquarters, but it remains to be seen if they will deliver.

Sundowns have been underachieving grossly over the past three seasons in spite of boasting arguably the best squad in the country.

In a season in which the best prepared sides stand the better chance of surviving, coach Angel Cappa carries the burden of justifying the performances of a big, experienced and talented squad.

One of Cappa's biggest problems could stem from trying to keep everyone happy because some of his stars may not enjoy sitting on the bench.

In the two legs of the Telkom Charity Cup, Cappa fielded almost entirely different teams and it is anyone's guess who will start for the Brazilians against coach Owen Da Gama's comparatively modest Silver Stars side.

In the Charity Cup final, goalkeeper Andre Arendse was the hero for saving a penalty that won them the title, but he faces stiff competition from Brian Baloyi and new recruit Rafael Dudamel Ochao.

Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane's SuperSport United move to the revampted Super Stadium in Atteridgeville to open their campaign against Dynamos on Saturday.

United had a highly successful cup run last season, but did not live up to expectations in the league after a slow start, which they blamed largely on their involvement in the Caf Confederations Cup.

Mosimane has no doubt learned a lesson from all that and they will be hoping to get this league campaign off to a flying start to avoid having to play catch-up in the second round like they did last season.

Full fixtures

Saturday: Swallows vs Santos (BidVest Stadium), Bush Bucks vs Chiefs (East London, 8pm), SuperSport vs Dynamos (Super Stadium), Free State Stars vs Arrows (Charles Mopeli Stadium), Pirates vs Leopards (Ellis Park, 6pm)

Sunday: Classic vs Celtic (Mehlareng Stadium), Silver Stars vs Sundowns (Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Games start at 3.15pm unless otherwise stated.