Join our football expert as we break down the much-anticipated Tshwane Derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.
This isn’t just any derby – it’s a battle with impact countrywide across South Africa! Teams all over are tuning in closely, as this clash could shape the destiny of the Premier Soccer League title race and relegation battles alike. Fans of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are particularly invested, hoping the yellow brigade of Mamelodi Sundowns stays right in the thick of the title race.
Over the years, The Brazilians have maintained a strong grip on this local rivalry, with SuperSport United last tasting a league victory over their neighbours back in 2013. Since then, Sundowns has chalked up 10 league wins against Matsatsantsa. Eric Tinkler, known for holding his own against giants like Pitso Mosimane during his coaching tenure at Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, faced Sundowns for the first time after moving to SuperSport – a match that ended in a 2-0 defeat. However, Tinkler gained a measure of satisfaction when his side eliminated Sundowns on penalties in a Telkom Knockout encounter.
ABSA Premiership | Saturday 24 February | Loftus Versfeld | 15:30
To Win (90 mins)
Mamelodi Sundowns 13/20
Draw 5/2
SuperSport United 43/10
Mamelodi Sundowns
The Brazilians battled hard to secure a narrow 1-0 win in the Nedbank Cup against Nedbank Cup opponents Cape Town All Stars, with the in-form Percy Tau scoring the winner. Tau’s excellence continues as a strong contender for PSL Footballer of the Year, boasting seven league goals so far. Sundowns also look set to benefit from the return of top scorer Khama Billiat, who’s netted six goals despite limited playtime amid transfer speculation.
Jeremy Brockie faces his former team for the first time since joining Sundowns but has yet to open his scoring account. Since the turn of the year, Sundowns have been solid in key matches, losing narrowly to Orlando Pirates, drawing goalless with Kaizer Chiefs, and taking a 1-0 victory over Cape Town City.
This match is crucial for Sundowns as they carry a comfortable four-point lead atop the league. A loss would maintain that gap, but also open the door for chasing teams such as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to close in sharply.
SuperSport United
Matsatsantsa currently find themselves 12th on the log, just three points clear of the relegation-threatened Ajax Cape Town. Their form this season has been patchy since clinching the MTN8 trophy. A 4-2 win over Bloemfontein Celtic broke a four-match winless streak, but they suffered a frustrating Nedbank Cup exit to the same team, with coach Eric Tinkler prioritising survival over cup success, rotating the squad significantly in the process.
January signing Evans Rusike has started combining well with teammates like Kingston Nkhatha and Thuso Phala. Rusike scored against Celtic to boost his season tally to eight, just one goal shy of leading scorer Rodney Ramagalela, whom he aims to surpass.
The acquisition of Mogakolodi Ngele from Sundowns brings added creativity and speed — key assets in Tinkler’s preferred counter-attacking style. Keep in mind, Sundowns permits loaned players to face them, adding an intriguing dynamic to this clash.
Verdict: Mamelodi Sundowns 13/20
Expect a tactical battle where SuperSport will be tough to break down, leaning on pace when countering. Sundowns will press high, orchestrating patient and intelligent plays. Their midfield superiority should shine, but the visitors’ defensive discipline will be a hurdle. In true showdown fashion, whoever scores first will likely take the spoils. Back Sundowns to outsmart Tinkler’s men and extend their dominance in this derby.
