Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch face crucial Betway Premiership clashes in KwaZulu-Natal

ALL roads lead to KwaZulu-Natal for two crucial Betway Premiership clashes on Tuesday. 

Nedbank Cup finalists Durban City host table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns at the Chatsworth Stadium, while Stellenbosch FC travel to the King Zwelithini Stadium to face off against Richards Bay.

Sundowns are currently on a nine-game winning streak and are currently two points above second-placed Orlando Pirates and will look to maintain that momentum against the Citizens.  Durban City, meanwhile, are looking to follow up their Cup exploits by consolidating their position in the Top 8. Pitso Ddala’s side are currently in sixth place on the table.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso faces a dilemma at left-back with Aubrey Modiba suspended for Sunday’s CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance in Tunis.

Cardoso would most likely look to give another left-back some game time ahead of the trip to North Africa with the Portuguese tactician able to call on Divine Lunga and Thato Sibiya, while the almost forgotten man of South African football Fawaaz Basadien is also available.

Ironically, Durban City will not be able to call on their on-loan left-back Terence Mashego with the former Bafana Bafana international prohibited from facing his parent club, Sundowns, due to a standard agreement clause in his contract.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch are also looking to extend an eight-match unbeaten streak.

Coach Gavin Hunt believes his team's past matches mean nothing and is only looking ahead to the upcoming challenges.

“We’re unbeaten in a few games in the league, but that means nothing now. We need to carry on and try to get through all these away games. We’ve got Richards Bay, Polokwane City, and Mamelodi Sundowns in our next three games, which will be tough for us,” Hunt said.

He was particularly wary of the trip to King Zwelithini Stadium to Richards Bay’s prowess at home.

“Richards Bay don’t lose many games at home. They beat Kaizer Chiefs and have had some big victories at their home ground, so it’s not going to be easy. They’re a totally different side at home, but a win for us would help us jump into the top eight,” he said.

“Right now, we are focusing on taking it one game at a time, though, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves. Richards Bay are a good team, and we need to give a solid performance, play nice and compact, and take it from there.”

Fellow title challengers Orlando Pirates are also in action on Tuesday against Golden Arrows, while Magesi FC host Marumo Gallants.

All matches kick-off at 7.30pm.