Mamelodi Sundowns return to league action on Wednesday when they visit bottom of the table Magesi FC in a match they are expected to win.
Sundowns sealed their place into the CAF Champions League quarter-final following their 1-1 draw with Raja Casablanca on Sunday and can now turn their attention to winning the league.
The Brazilians have not played a PSL match this year but come into the contest still top of the table as they enjoy a three-point lead over Orlando Pirates, having accumulated 30 points from 11 matches.
Sundowns can take their lead to six points with victory at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium before Pirates take on Royal AM on Thursday.
Head-to-head
Sundowns come into the match with memories of the Carling Knockout final still fresh in their minds as it is Magesi who shocked them to win the trophy after they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in November.
That will give the basement side some confidence but Miguel Cardoso’s team will be wary of lightning striking twice.
Form guide
However, few are expecting another shock result given Magesi have not won any of their six games since then, losing four and drawing two, to pick up just two points from a possible 18.
Sundowns on the other side have lost just one game from 10 since that upset in November, a run that includes six wins and three draws.
However, the draws and the loss have come in the Champions League with their league run being flawless since then.
Team news
Sundowns will be without goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who is serving the second of his three-match suspension meaning Dennis Onyango will likely get a rare start.
Meanwhile, Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was man of the match in the Cup final and Sundowns will have to find a way of breaching him while the club has signed three players and released seven.
What have they said?
Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena feels all they need to do is keep winning as that will put pressure on Orlando Pirates and the other teams who have ambition of winning the title.
“We have to buckle up and continue with the task because if we continue winning and winning, it will be difficult for other teams to catch up,” he said.
“Also, if we win and the other team wins, it is good because it pushes us to another level where we are also preparing for the Champions League.”
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 19.30 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV (SS202)
Predicted Sundowns XI
Onyango, Mashego, Kekana, Khoza, Morena, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro, Kodisang, Shalulile, Rayners.
