Injured Sheppard backs his team-mates
By Tshifhiwa Luvhengo
Injured Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Dillon Sheppard is confident that his team-mates will upset Kaizer Chiefs when the two sides clash in an Absa Premiership league game on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld at 3pm.
Chiefs and Sundowns will be facing each other for the fourth time this season.
So far, honours are even.
The two rivals have clashed twice in cup competitions (Telkom Knockout Challenge and Nedbank Cup).
Each side has managed a victory so far in the cup competitions.
The first league encounter ended in a draw, so Sunday's meeting will determine who has bragging rights at the end of the season.
Sheppard is confident the outgoing league champions will have the upper hand.
"The guys has been playing good football and I don't see Chiefs beating us on Sunday," said Sheppard.
Sheppard is due to start training within the next two months, but he would like nothing better than to see his team-mates beat Chiefs.
Under interim coach Trott Moloto, Downs have improved and are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions. They will be hoping to maintain that run against Chiefs.
The good news for Moloto and Sundowns is that Lerato Chabangu's foot injury is not that serious and he could play on Sunday.
Mahlatse Mphalele, the Sundowns communication and media manager, said: "Chabangu will probably be available for Sunday's game after the team doctor revealed that his injury is not that serious."
Sundowns are in 12th place on the log standings with 29 points from 23 games while Chiefs are in eighth spot with 33 points from 23 games.
Fixtures
Friday: Santos v Jomo Cosmos (Athlone Stadium, 8pm).
Saturday: Golden Arrows v Thanda Royal Zulu (King Zwelithini Stadium, 3pm); Orlando Pirates v SuperSport United, (Joburg Stadium, 8pm).
Sunday: AmaZulu v Platinum Stars (Princess Magogo, 3pm); Bloemfontein Celtic v Black Leopards (Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, 3pm); Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs, Loftus Versfeld, 3pm); Moroka Swallows v Ajax Cape Town (Germiston Stadium, 5pm).