In arguably the clash of the day Mamelodi Sundowns take on Orlando Pirates from 15:30 at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane.
Orlando Pirates arrive five points adrift of the log leaders but with a game in hand on the defending champions.
Sundowns meanwhile face an injury crisis as they seek to retain their unbeaten start to the DStv Premiership.
Themba Zwane is a doubtful starter with Sundowns creative force having been out for the second half of December with undisclosed health and injury issues. With seven goals this term Zwane is the Brazilians leading scorer ahead of Peter Shalulile.
Orlando Pirates have their own injury worries with Zakhele Lepasa in doubt due to the injury he picked up in the win over Chippa United.
Mamelodi Sundowns have failed to score in their last four outings against Orlando Pirates and haven’t beaten them in league competition since 2017.
Orlando Pirates need to address their issues in the final third if they are to come away with the three points. The Sea Robbers have scored nine goals in seven matches in the DStv Premiership.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates: Relive the action here
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Match report
Both sides had early chances but didn’t have the quality on the final third to break the deadlock.
Vincent Pule was the first to test Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango but the stopper was equal to his effort.
Sundowns looked to unlock Pirates with long diagonal balls while the visitors tried to pass through.
Pirates had two players booked in quick succession as first Pule tried to stop a quick goal kick and had his name taken before Thulani Hlatshwayo hacked down Thapelo Morena to pick up a yellow.
The breakthrough came from a free kick conceded by Hlatshwayo that deflected off Ricardo Nascimento before being headed home by Brian Onyango.
An action-packed first half ended with Pirates trailing hosts Sundowns by a single goal.
Half-time
The second half started as an open affair as Sundowns invited Pirates to come forward and looked to hit them on the break.
Pirates enjoyed a few free kicks in dangerous areas but couldn’t force their way beyond Onyango from set-pieces.
Pirates and Sundowns had chances in a frantic second half but none better than Kermit Erasmus’ with just minutes remaining. His effort hit the post after he was afforded time and space to shoot.
Sundowns were pushed back by Pirates but the visitors were imprecise in the final third and couldn’t break down an organised defence.
The Brazilians ended Pirates’ unbeaten run courtesy of that goal from Onyango.
Team news
Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI
Onyango, Mudau, Lakay, Nascimento, B. Onyango, Coetzee, Mvala, Maboe, Morena, Modiba, Shalulile.
Subs: Mweene, Jali, Mergeman, Kapinga, Erasmus, Soumahoro, Langerman, Mkhulise, Makgalwa.
Orlando Pirates starting XI
Sandilands, Maela, Nyauza, Hlatshwayo, Jooste, Makaringe, Lorch, Motshwari, Pule, Dzvukamanja, Hotto.
Subs: Mpontshane, Monyane, Jele, Mako, Zungu, Monare, Ndlovu, Mhango, Mundele.
