Aubrey Ngoma will face his former side when Mamelodi Sundowns travel to face Cape Town City on Friday the 2nd of February.
Get ready, football fans! This Friday, the ABSA Premiership lights up the nation again as Mamelodi Sundowns head to the Western Cape for a thrilling encounter with Cape Town City. Originally slated for Cape Town Stadium, the match moves to Athlone Stadium due to a rugby event — no worries though, City has played here before and will be ready to bounce back. Pitso Mosimane may have tipped Sundowns as favourites, dismissing Cape Town City as title challengers, but Benni McCarthy, returning from his touchline ban, will be raring to prove those doubters wrong in this fiery top-of-the-table showdown.
ABSA Premiership | Friday 2 February | Athlone Stadium | 20:00
To Win (90 mins)
Cape Town City 2/1
Draw 43/20
Sundowns 13/10
Cape Town City
Cape Town City are eager to regain winning form as they host Masandawana at Athlone Stadium this Friday. The Citizens were held to their fourth draw of the season, sharing a 1-1 with Bloemfontein Celtic.
Though Sundowns top the table, Pitso Mosimane has ruled out Cape Town City as title contenders. There’s a bit of truth in that – the club sold key players and brought in lesser-known internationals, plus their home games keep shifting due to other sports events.
Aubrey Ngoma, last season’s PSL Midfielder of the Year and a star for City, now dons the Sundowns jersey for the first time facing his former team this Friday.
Sadly, City will be without coach Benni McCarthy on the touchline. The young coach has excelled in his debut managerial season, with the team sitting a point above both Soweto giants and just four points off Sundowns at this stage.
Despite being a former prolific striker, Benni’s City have leaned heavily on their solid defence to secure victories. Their top scorers this season, including defensive midfielder Roland Putsche, and attackers Ayanda Patosi, Craig Martin and Lyle Lakay, have just two goals apiece.
Interestingly, City has maintained a perfect record against Sundowns across three meetings – and Nana Akosah-Bempah’s winning goal in December gave them a memorable 1-0 victory. He’s hot to repeat that feat and frustrate Sundowns once again.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns return to action hoping to bounce back after a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. Mosimane praised Chiefs as Champions League quality, but his comments have also cast shade over Cape Town City’s title hopes.
Whether it’s mind games or genuine dismissal, Sundowns remain fierce competitors – with only six losses this season and just two draws alongside 11 wins.
At the start, Sundowns looked like having the strongest squad, and with smart signings like Jeremy Brockie, Gaston Sirino, and Aubrey Ngoma, they are firm favourites to clinch the league title yet again.
They’ll be keen to avoid another defeat to Cape Town City after last season’s double and the recent upset by Polokwane City, which stirred the title race.
With attacking stars such as Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, and South Africa’s very own Percy Tau, Sundowns pack a potent offensive punch.
Their midfield strength, anchored by Tiyani Mabunda, Hlompho Kekana, and Oupa Manyisa, will be crucial in controlling this tightly fought contest.
Verdict: Mamelodi Sundowns (13/10)
Despite Cape Town City’s strong head-to-head record, it feels like their winning streak against Sundowns might end here. The switch to Athlone Stadium may offer some solace for Benni, but with Sundowns’ firepower and quality, the away side looks set to claim the victory. Place your bets on Sundowns to win!
