Teams: Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 15 January 2020
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Orlando Pirates in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday evening, with the hope of closing the gap between themselves and Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns' title charge will be put to the test as they will be aiming to become the first team to beat the Buccaneers at home in the league since August 2018.
Pirates, despite their struggles this season, have not lost a league match on home soil as their unbeaten streak at Orlando Stadium stretches back to the 2018/19 season.
The Brazilians are placed second on the table, nine points behind log-leaders Chiefs and they can't afford to drop more points if they are to retain their title.
The Tshwane giants will be without key midfielder Themba Zwane for the clash due to suspension after he picked up his fourth booking in their goalless stalemate with Bidvest Wits last Tuesday.
Unlike Pirates, who had a week's rest since their 4-1 thumping win over Polokwane City last Tuesday, Masandawana were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday as they beat USM Alger 2-1 to book a spot in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand the Buccaneers, unlike the title-chasing Sundowns, are nowhere near challenging for the league crown this season, lying sixth on the table and could give their neighbors Chiefs a big advantage in the title race should they deny Masandawana maximum points.
Both set of fans will be hoping to see goals in this epic clash after the sides played to two goalless draws in their two league meetings last term.
Pirates: 30. Sandilands, 23. Maela, 4. Jele, 5. Nyauza, 45. Pule, 6. Motshwari, 15. Makaringe, 44. Mabaso, 11. Memela, 7. Mhango, 3. Lorch.
Subs: 1. Delle, 27. Ndengane, 32. Mntambo, 21. Monyane, 28. Dube, 18. Dlamini, 16. Mabasa.
Sundowns: 14. Onyango, 16. Ngcongca, 4. Langerman, 2. Madisha, 5. Lebusa, 15. Jali, 26. Sirino, 8. Kekana, 11. Vilakazi, 27. Morena, 21. Mkhulise.
Subs: 1. Mweene, 6. Arendse, 7. Lakay, 23. Makgalwa, 13. Mabunda, 17. Mahlambi, 33. Maboe.
