By Michael Madyira
- Mamelodi Sundowns face AmaZulu on Christmas Eve, aiming to maintain their league lead, while Pirates host Marumo Gallants, trailing by three points.
- Sundowns deal with injuries but welcome a break before the match, as AmaZulu and Pirates’ opponents, Gallants, seek crucial PSL points.
Premier Soccer League leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and their nearest challengers resume the title race with Christmas Eve fixtures expected to spice up the festive mood.
The Brazilians are on the road for the second successive match when they visit struggling AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Christmas Eve.
On the same afternoon, the Buccaneers will be at Orlando Stadium hosting Marumo Gallants.
Three points separate Sundowns and second-placed Pirates, although the Soweto giants have a game in hand.
Masandawana will be out to maintain their grip on top spot, and Sunday’s match comes against the backdrop of two matches in three days against Raja Casablanca and Stellenbosch.
Sundowns are so desperate for a breather that coach Miguel Cardoso welcomes the five full days between their meeting with Stellies and the Usuthu game.
“We need this week to rest some of the players,” Cardoso told the media.
“We have players out injured and some with long-term injuries, but others have small issues and they can recover in one week. So we need this break to breathe a bit.
“We also need to practise, but we cannot push the players too much. We must be clever in managing them and our training sessions.”
The Tshwane giants have centre-backs Grant Kekana and Mosa Lebusa edging closer to full fitness, along with Marcelo Allende and speedy winger Tashreeq Matthews.
Captain Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena and Rivaldo Coetzee remain out injured.
Sundowns face 13th-placed AmaZulu, who could unleash new signing Bongani Zungu, a former Masandawana midfielder, and ex-Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are up against equally struggling Gallants, who are 12th on the PSL table.
Pirates will be without playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, who is suspended, having also missed their last two CAF Champions League games due to a “health issue.”
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates players celebrating.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
