Sundowns look to claim title against Chippa

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to secure the Betway Premiership title for the eighth straight season when they face Chippa United, for the second time in a week, at the Buffalo City Municipality Stadium in East London on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Chippa United are clinging to eighth place on the log, level on points with Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants. Their goal difference of minus three keeps them in the last MTN8 qualifying spot.

The Chilli Boys are winless in their last five Betway Premiership outings, having lost their previous encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 last Wednesday. They will hope to reverse the previous result and claim their first-ever league win over Sundowns.

Sundowns are 15 points clear at the top of the table. They have bounced back well after losing to title challengers Orlando Pirates, winning their four subsequent league games and scoring 11 goals in the process.

Masandawana need just one point from their second encounter of the season with Chippa United to cement themselves as 18-time league champions.

TEAM NEWS

Chippa United are expected to be without midfielders Siphelo Baloni and Andile Jali for their upcoming clash. Baloni, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates, has not played for the Chilli Boys since March after picking up an injury against Richards Bay. Jali has not featured for the club since February. Coach Thabo September said that neither are likely to return after his side’s loss to Stellenbosch FC on 30 April.

Speaking after his side’s 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch at the weekend, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso said he expected Ronwen Williams to be available for their next game.

WHAT WAS SAID

Chippa United head coach Thabo September has stated his intentions to finish strong, aiming for the top eight, and begin focusing on the 2025-26 campaign.

"Start building for next season, start using players that you want to have or to look at for next season and get the best out of the two games. Playing Marumo [Gallants] away, we have Sundowns coming at home, so we need to be as professional as we can be to finish this season on a good note,” said September after the loss to Sundowns last week.

“So, yeah, looking forward to it. Top eight, if it's possible, we have two games, if we get four points out of the two games, then it's possible."

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso on the prospect of securing the title.

“Obviously, be honest in the way we play the next two matches and it's a big responsibility that

we have ahead. Regarding more than that, I would like to leave it for the moment that we really

become champions, because at the moment there's no time for that.

“We need to really focus ourselves in what we have to do because no one wants to know that we are two matches from the end and make a different image.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Mamelodi Sundowns: Lucas Ribeiro Costa returned to goal-scoring form at the weekend, bagging his 14th goal of the season. The Brazilian is the top scorer in the league this season and could take home the Player of the Season Award.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Chippa United: Although top scorer for his club in the league this season, Sinoxolo Kwayiba has failed to score in Chippa’s last 10 Betway Premiership games. He will be looking to return to scoring form and help his side upset Sundowns’ crowning party.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Last five league fixtures)

Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 5

Chippa United wins: 0

Draws: 0