Cuthbert Malajila of Mamelodi Sundowns
The South African PSL is a third of its way through with most teams already having played 10 games. The title race is still wide open with all the top teams still in the running. This weekend sees a top of the table clash between leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and second place Moroka Swallows (at the time of writing). Both teams had disappointing 2012/13 seasons and freshened things up this season with new ideas and new players.
Mamelodi Sundowns remained at the summit of the PSL standings by defeating University of Pretoria 3-1 in their last league match on November 9. Goals from Cuthbert Malajila, Khama Billiat and Rodney Ramagalela helped the Brazilians take the honours in the first Tshwane derby of the season. Billiat showed no signs of a dip in form after the midfielder recovered from a car accident which occurred earlier that week. The Zimbabwean sustained mild injuries during the accident, but nothing could hinder his impressive run of form which has seen him score four goals in both league and cup competitions this season. His electric attacking play will be vital for Sundowns in this match. The Brazilians have played just nine games, one less than Swallows but lie two points above them.
A win for Pitso Mosimane’s team will therefore put a puncture in Swallows’ title chase as they will lie five points behind Downs having played a game more. Sundowns have scored the most goals in the league, 21, five more than their opponents. This game will also see the league’s top scorers play in the same fixture as Cuthbert Malajila of Sundowns and Siyabonga Nomvethe and Edward Manqele of Swallows lead the standings with five goals each. Malajila, another Zimbabwean, who was signed from Maritzburg United in the off season, is a classy striker who has scored some magnificent goals this season.
Moroka Swallows moved within two points of leaders Sundowns following a 3-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the Mother City last Friday night. Attacking trio Edward Manqele, Siyabonga Nomvethe and Lerato Chabangu got the goals for Swallows. The result left the Dube Birds with 18 points from 10 games. Swallows have a lot of quality in the team, especially in the attacking areas with Lerato Chabangu, Dikgang Mabalane and Siyabonga Nomvethe all experienced campaigners and capable of turning a game around with moments of magic. There has been just one hat-trick so far this season in the league and that was scored by another highly rated Swallows player, Edward Mnqele. The forward, on loan from Sundowns, netted all the goals in a 3-1 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces early in the season and will want a similar performance when he faces his parent club.
Captain Lefa Tsutsulupa is still out trying to regain full fitness after knee and ankle trouble.
Sundowns are unbeaten at home with three wins out of four matches. They have scored an impressive 12 goals in those four matches while conceding just four. Swallows have been inconsistent on the road with two wins, two draws and two losses. The Brazilians are tipped to maintain their strong home form with victory here.
