Komphela's Celtic look to tame Sundowns in epic clash

Cape Town - Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premiership season when they travel to Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday.

The Brazilians are seven points adrift of league leaders Wits, but remain the only team without a defeat in the new campaign.

Pitso Mosimane's side had to juggle domestic and African commitments in August but can now focus on challenging the front-runners back home after failing to make it past the CAF Champions League group stages.

AmaZulu came close to beating Sundowns a fortnight ago, but Sibusiso Vilakazi scored a late equaliser to rescue a 3-3 draw. A 1-0 win over Golden Arrows three days later halted a run of six matches without a win in all competitions.

Masandawana are down in seventh position, but have three games in hand over Wits, who are just three points ahead of fourth-placed Siwelele following their 2-0 win over Cape Town City on Tuesday.

Steve Komphela has done an admirable job since replacing Veselin Jelusic at the helm during the off-season, guiding Celtic to four wins in their opening six encounters.

Komphela will be targeting a return to winning ways after Maritzburg United handed their former coach his first loss in charge of Phunya Sele Sele last time out, when they emerged 1-0 victors at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

The hosts were dealt a blow on the eve of the clash with the news that Alfred Ndengane has been released from his contract. The 31-year-old defender had played a key role for Celtic as they conceded just three goals in their first six outings.

Kick-off is at 19:30.