The ABSA premiership’s so-called big three will look to collect maximum points this weekend as they shift their focus to the league after they all won their CAF competition matches midweek.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who were victorious against Equatorial Guinea’s Leones, only arrive in the country on Friday, two days before the Tshwane Derby against Supersport United. However, United don’t expect tiredness because of travelling to be a factor in Sunday’s match as Downs are experienced.
Matches have started coming in thick and fast in the ABSA Premiership and it’s even worse for four of the country’s teams that are competing in CAF competitions. Fifth-placed Sundowns were the only ABSA premiership side that travelled outside of our borders with Free State Stars, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs playing at home. However, United coach Kaitano Tembo says that they are wary of Downs who won the ABSA premiership last season despite their heavy schedule.
“Sundowns have been playing in the champions league for the past four seasons, last season they won the league and they were still travelling so we are not really gonna look at that. We are gonna focus on ourselves and correct our mistakes from previous matches.”
Chiefs were happy not to concede on Wednesday against Zanzibar’s Zimamoto and coach, Giovanni Solinas, is expected to stick to the back four that did duty in that game.
“It is very important to not concede a goal Saturday. We have a very important game against Golden Arrows, is difficult game so we immediately need to focus on it.”
Pirates gave fringe players a run on Wednesday against Light Stars and are expected to field their regulars on Saturday against Maritzburg United. Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic says that the fringe players benefited from the game time.
“Whatever was wrong with the players is that they had no match fitness, but they benefited by getting game time so we are concentrating on Saturday’s game against Maritzburg United.”
Four other ABSA Premiership matches will be played this weekend with Bidvest Wits to host Black Leopards on Saturday. Second-placed Bloemfontein Celtic host Polokwane City on Sunday at the Dr Molemela stadium.
