Successful Sundowns look to finish on a high

Newly crowned Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will finish their 2024/25 league campaign against Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Sundowns were crowned league champions for the eighth consecutive season after beating Chippa United 3-0 on Wednesday.

Masandawana have enjoyed a stellar campaign and are currently level with the PSL record for most league wins in a 34-game season with 23, having just broken the record for most wins in a 30-game season, which was set by the club in the 2015/16 season. Sundowns have managed these feats playing only 27 games, with one to come.

Sundowns have also made history as the first South African team to score 100 goals across all competitions after putting three past Chippa.

Magesi are on a five-match winning streak, only conceding two goals in those games. Their hot run of form sees them sitting 12th on the log with 25 games played.

Although not in the relegation zone, Magesi are not out of the woods yet. After Sunday, they face Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates in their final two games, where they will look to ensure top-flight football for next season.

Dikwena tša Meetse have only faced Sundowns once in history, that being earlier this season in a 2-1 loss.

TEAM NEWS

Despite having returned from an Achilles injury, Themba Zwane did not play for Sundowns against Chippa due to pitch conditions. Coach Miguel Cardoso did not want to risk reinjury before the Caf Champions League final, but stated that Zwane could very well play at the weekend.

WHAT WAS SAID

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso said that his side will prepare well for Magesi, despite their focus shifting towards the upcoming Caf Champions League final.

“It doesn't mean that we will not prepare to win our next match. Of course, we will, because Magesi has been doing well in their last games, so we need for sure to take care of them, because we want to finish the league in the best way in front of our fans, but myself, I will now obviously start planning for Pyramids [FC].”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Mamelodi Sundowns: After opening the scoring against Chippa on Wednesday, Rayners is now level with Ribeiro Costa on 14 goals in the league this season. Leading the standings, the teammates will both try to put their names on the scoresheet at the weekend and claim the Golden Boot.

Delano Abrahams, Magesi FC: Abrahams is in fine form in front of goal. The versatile 29-year-old has scored in three of Magesi’s last five league fixtures and will look to add to his tally against the champions.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 1

Magesi FC wins: 0

Draws: 0