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Johannesburg - It is early days but Mamelodi Sundowns are determined not to allow their neighbours and arch rivals SuperSport United, to win a record fourth successive Absa Premiership title this season.
So says the Brazilians' star central defender Matthew Booth, as Downs aim at making it two wins in a row when they travel to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium to play a revitalised Platinum Stars under new coach Owen Da Gama, as part of a full Wednesday programme of eight matches.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Booth said Downs were up for the challenge of winning the title this season, but stressed: “We want to make sure SuperSport do not get a record fourth title in a row and aim to take the title away from them.”
Booth at age 33, is enjoying playing for new coach Antonio Lopez Habas who was promoted after temperamental Bulgarian Hristo Stoitchkov quit at the end of last season.
Downs got off to a flying start, defeating Moroka Swallows 2-0 at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville in their opening league fixture 10 days ago, and Booth reckons Habas will have a successful reign at Sundowns.
Habas was the power behind the throne as Stoitchov's assistant last season. “We like his style of management and the players are happy he was given the job as head coach," said Booth.
"I believe he has the ability to lift Sundowns and hopefully drive us to winning the title.”
Booth, who was part of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup squad but did not play and now appears to have been overlooked by new head coach Pitso Mosimane, believes he was still playing as well as ever and enjoying the game.
"I have not given up on playing for Bafana again. All I can do is keep playing well and hope to get a recall.”
Booth said Downs are more settled with Habas in charge and the fact the management did not buy a whole new team in the pre-season, has helped stability and continuity.
One of the new players Booth said could play a major role this season, is Zimbabwean international striker Nyasha Mushekwi, who scored both goals in the win over the Birds.
“Mushekwi looks the real deal. We have a top class attack now with our other striker, Katlego Mphela, also in red hot form scoring for Bafana Bafana in the 2-0 win over Niger.
"I reckon these two internationals could play key roles this season.”
Mushekwi helped Zimbabwe draw 1-1 away to Libya in their African Nations Cup qualifier while Mphela scored his 18th international goal in 37 appearances for Bafana against a hapless Niger in Nelspruit on Saturday night.
But Booth respects Stars who he says are a hoodoo side for Downs.
“We have managed to beat them in the last league match of last season, but generally we struggle against them, so it will not be an easy 90 minutes especially now they have Owen (da Gama) back as coach.”
Stars also got off to a winning start beating Mpumalanga Black Aces 3-2 at the Puma Stadium in Witbank.
Stars have signed Downs central defender Derrick Spencer who could make his debut against his old club while midfielder Tshepo Ramokala has moved in the opposite direction.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who clash in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night, have what might appear as routine warm-up games on Wednesday.
Bucs host Free State Stars at the FNB Stadium (20:00) while Amakhosi travel to the Harry Gwala Stadium to play Martizburg United (20:30).
SuperSport, who were embarrassed 3-0 away to BidVest Wits in their opening match in defence of their title, face another potential banana skin in the form of Aces who they host at the Super Stadium.
Wits face a stern test when they play Santos at the Athlone Stadium.
Bloemfontein Celtic new coach Clinton Larsen, is looking for his first points when Phunya Sele Sele entertain AmaZulu at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium. All at 19:30.
