Cape Town - After defeating Orlando Pirates a few days ago, log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns are eyeing another Soweto scalp when they go head-to-head with Swallows FC in a DStv Premiership match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off).
Sundowns were in fine form against Pirates and two players were outstanding in the side's 2-0 triumph. Mothobi Mvala produced a Man of the Match performance in the heart of the Sundowns defence and he scored a goal and will be looking for a repeat performance against Swallows.
The other goal was scored by the impressive Cassius Mailula, who joined the fray as a substitute. It was his fourth goal of the season and he is shaping up as a player who could be a worthy replacement for striker Peter Shalulile, who may need some time to regain full fitness.
This time he is likely to land a berth in the starting line-up and lead the Sundowns attack.
Swallows were edged 1-0 by the high-flying Richards Bay and their performance was worth at least a point in this clash. Swallows showed some improvement under the guidance of veteran tactician Ernst Middendorp.
Preparations underway for our first game of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣!#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/EkRGLrpHTn
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 2, 2023
Rhulani Mokwena, the Sundowns coach, is anticipating a difficult match against a wounded Swallows side.
"Middendorp is a very good coach and one that I have huge respect for. I have learned a lot from him," said Mokwena. "He is someone that for sure wants to beat us.
"But we have to recover well, and we know that it will be a very difficult game against Swallows mainly because of the leadership of Ernst Middendorp.
"However, I also don't want to take away the incredible job done by Musa Nyatama in the interim. He is an incredible prospect as a coach. He is going to be one of the best in this country."
@Herman_Gibbs