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Cape Town - Defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns will have their title credentials put firmly to the test when they face an in-form Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
The Brazilians, 2-1 winners over Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, are still finding their feet in the Premiership having played just four times compared to the nine of their opponents.
This is due to their successful CAF Champions League campaign, which saw them crowned champions last month. Still, they have done a fair job in the league to date, with their two wins and a draw leaving them in 12th position – 10 points adrift of Arrows in second.
The Durbanites beat Highlands Park in their last match to climb to within two points of leaders Bidvest Wits in second place.
They have made their best ever start to a league season, although boss Clinton Larsen expects Arrows to remain with their feet firmly grounded.
The Abafana Bes’thende coach is wary of the dangers posed by Sundowns.
“We know what we’re up against, the best team on the continent,” he said. “They have a quality side, but we’re coming together nicely ourselves.
“There’s lots of cohesion among our players and that is encouraging. But we’re talking about the champions here, who together with Wits, are probably the best two teams in the league.”
Siyanda Zwane, Anele Ngcongca and Mzikayise Mashaba are all ruled out for the home side due to injuries.
Kagisho Dikgacoi and Nkanyiso Mngwengwe are suspended for the visitors, while Lehlohonolo Nonyane is out injured. Kenya midfielder Cliffton Miheso faces a late fitness test.
Kickoff is at 1930.
