Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have enjoyed flawless starts to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, winning their first two matches each.
However, their winning streaks are set to collide this weekend, as one or both teams will inevitably see their unbeaten run come to an end.
This marks the first time in history that all three members of the “big three” – Chiefs, Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates – have won their opening two games of the season.
Both Chiefs and Sundowns enter the match brimming with confidence and determined to extend their winning momentum.
Head-to-Head
Masandawana have long been considered the favorites in this fixture due to their consistent dominance. However, Amakhosi have occasionally proven to be a thorn in the side of the Tshwane giants.
Chiefs haven't tasted victory against Sundowns in the last three years, with Bafana Ba Style holding the upper hand in recent clashes.
The last time Chiefs defeated the league champions was in the 2020/21 season, when matches were played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, Sundowns have won seven out of nine matches against Chiefs across all competitions. Their most recent league meeting saw Sundowns emphatically defeat Chiefs 5-1 at FNB Stadium in May of this year.
Recent Form
Nasreddine Nabi has breathed new life into Chiefs, restoring hope among long-suffering fans.
The Soweto giants have won their opening two games, defeating Marumo Gallants 2-1 and AmaZulu 3-1.
Meanwhile, Sundowns, who were eliminated from the MTN8, have found their rhythm under Manqoba Mngqithi, winning 2-0 against SuperSport United and 4-0 against Marumo Gallants.
What the coaches said?
Ahead of the clash, Mngqithi acknowledged Chiefs' impressive form but emphasised that his team would approach the match with respect while aiming for maximum points.
“But with due respect, it’s always important to give respect to the opponents because you don’t want to go in that match with a sense that you are entitled to get the results, or you are entitled to score goals because at the moment Chiefs is also playing well, and they are really a big force in South African football,” said the Masandawana coach.
“And they still need to give the necessary respect that they deserve but be that as it may, we will try to give it our best shot and see what we can make out of it. Hopefully the Gods of football will be with us to score those goals.”
Nasreddine Nabi expressed concern about the limited time available to prepare his team for the match against Mamelodi Sundowns. However, he assured fans that his players would give their utmost effort to secure a victory.
Line-ups
Nasreddine Nabi made a single alteration to the previous starting line-up, substituting Njabulo Blom with Edson Castillo, who had come off the bench in the last match.
On the other hand, Manqoba Mngqithi included Themba Zwane in the starting line-up this time, after he missed the midweek game against Marumo Gallants.
Kaizer Chiefs line-up: Ntwari, Frosler, Miguel, Dortley, Cross, Castillo, Maart, Shabalala, Sirino, Duba, Chivaviro
Subs: Bvuma, Msimango, Mashiane, Zwane, Blom, Vilakazi, Mmodi, Du Preez, Saile
Mamelodi Sundowns line-up: Williams, Lebusa, Coetzee, Kekana, Morena, Tiwani, Zwane, Allende, Ribeiro, Matthews, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, De Reuck, Mudau, Modiba, Maboe, Mkhulise, Kodisang, Maseko, Shalulile
Time and where to watch
The match will take place on Saturday, 28 September at FNB Stadium in Soweto, kickoff has been moved from 15:00 to 15:30
It is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 and is televised on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and Showmax Premier League.
Tickets Prices
Tickets for the encounter are on sale at TicketPro outlets including Spar supermarkets, Boxer and various filling stations at R60 per ticket.
Manqoba Mngqithi v Kaizer Chiefs
2006/07
Kaizer Chiefs 0 Lamontville Golden Arrows 1
Kaizer Chiefs 0 Lamontville Golden Arrows 0 (Absa Cup first round, Arrows won 5-4 on pens)
2007/08
Kaizer Chiefs 4 Lamontville Golden Arrows 2
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1
2008/09
Lamontville Golden Arrows 4 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Telkom Knockout first round)
Kaizer Chiefs 1 Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0 Kaizer Chiefs 1
2009/10
Kaizer Chiefs 2 Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0
2010/11
AmaZulu 0 Kaizer Chiefs 2 (Telkom Knockout first round)
Kaizer Chiefs 3 AmaZulu 1
AmaZulu 1 Kaizer Chiefs 2
2012/13
Kaizer Chiefs 3 Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0
2020/21
Kaizer Chiefs 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 3
Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Kaizer Chiefs 2
2021/22
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Kaizer Chiefs 2 (MTN8 quarterfinal, Sundowns won 2-1 on pens)
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Kaizer Chiefs 0
Kaizer Chiefs 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
2022/23
Mamelodi Sundowns 4 Kaizer Chiefs 0
Final Score Prediction
Although Mamelodi Sundowns have recently been the dominant force in this fixture, Amakhosi have had the upper hand against Manqoba, dating back to his tenure at both Golden Arrows and Sundowns. We anticipate a closely contested match, potentially ending in a 2-2 draw, especially with Chiefs benefiting from the support of a packed FNB Stadium.
Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns – Seth Willis (Afrik-Foot Journalist)
Every player at Kaizer Chiefs is fighting harder to prove he can be relied on in the long-term.
It is a going to be a thrilling end-to-end fixture but the cheers and roars from the home fans will play a major role. Sirino wants to prove Downs wrong, Chivaviro is looking good. Downs are good as well; Ribeiro & Rayners might have a say
