Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns are not feeling the heat ahead of their top-of-the table Absa Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
Instead the pressure will be on Chiefs, according to Downs veteran and hard tackling central defender Matthew Booth.
The Brazilians head the standings with 27 points followed by Amakhosi on 23, after 12 rounds of the league were completed before the two week Festive Season break.
“It is going to be a thriller to kick-off 2011 with, but Chiefs will have to chase the game on Saturday," said Booth.
"They are the ones who will feel the pressure as we are where we want to be. If we should beat Chiefs, we will open up a seven point gap at the top of the log and that is what we are aiming for.”
But a defeat will not be a train smash or derail the Brazilians title hopes.
“Win or lose we will still be on top after the game. We are confident we can beat Chiefs and start the New Year in style.”
Booth stressed this match was not a league decider. “I cannot believe people are talking about this match as that. It is early days to talk about league deciders.”
Downs were stunned 3-2 at home by AmaZulu in their final fixture of 2010 but Booth says the defeat was a “small hiccup.”
“These defeats happen, but it has not affected our morale and we are confident we can win the championship. At Sundowns the expecation is the team should win the league and this season is no different.”
Booth, at 33, is not losing any sleep over keeping Chiefs' free scoring striker Knowledge Musona quiet.
“We will be studying DVDs of their matches and we will be well prepared when we take the field and not be worrying about any individuals.”
Booth admitted not playing for over two weeks could have made the players rusty and that suspended striker Katlego Mphela, would be a loss. He added they will miss Mphela but they have a potent strike force to compensate.
"Players such as Nyasha Mushekwi, Mabhuti Khenyeza and Richard Henyekane is looking sharp in training and is chomping at the bit to play.”
Third placed Orlando Pirates who are five points adrift of Downs, travel to Atterdigeville’s Lucas Moripe Stadium to play struggling champions SuperSport United on Saturday night (20:15).
United have slipped to 13th position in the 16-team league and have no chance of defending their title. SuperSport will be lucky to finish in the top eight at the end of the season.
Coach Gavin Hunt, however, believes this side will turn the corner in 2011 after a poor start to the season.
“It has been a difficult time for us with serious injuries to key players and losing other players who have helped us win the championship, but I am determined to rebuild a championship winning side for next season and that is what I will be focusing on in 2011,” said Hunt.
Bottom club Moroka Swallows, will be looking for their first win of the season when they host an improved Free State Stars at Dobsonville (20:15) and in Saturday’s other fixture AmaZulu host fourth placed Ajax Cape Town in Ulundi at 15:30.
On Friday night second bottom Mpumalanga Black Aces under new coach Paul Dolezar, play third bottom side Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Kick-off is at 20:00.
Dolezar, the former Chiefs, Downs and Bloemfontein Celtic coach, has been brought in to save Aces from relegation. The Witbank based side have collected only five points from 12 matches. Dolezar replaces Neil Tovey.
“It is a vital game for us. Maritzburg have 10 points and we have to close the gap on them. I will be making a lot of changes form the side that played last month,” said Dolezar.
He will blood his two new signings from Chiefs, midfielder David Mathebula and defender Thabang Rooi.
In Friday night’s other match Santos play Golden Arrows at the Athlone Stadium also at 20:00.
On Sunday Celtic meet BidVest Wits at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium and at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium Platinum Stars are at home to Vasco da Gama. Both at 15:30.
