OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 12.00noon.
A BATTLE royal awaits Sundowns on Sunday when they take on Bush Bucks at home in Umtata, on an Independence Stadium pitch which at the best of times is almost unplayable.
The Brazilians will be weakened up front as their star striker Raphael Chukwu will not be playing in the match due to international commitments with Nigeria.
The signing of former Manning Rangers sharpshooter Simon Makhubela also failed to come off, with Makhubela fooling all and sundry to sign with Orlando Pirates for a R350000 transfer fee.
It was widely reported on Wednesday that Makhubela was set to sign with Sundowns, but Pirates then countered with a more attractive offer.
Sundowns will be hoping for a good result against Bucks in view of their Rothmans Cup return leg semi-final against Seven Stars in Cape Town next weekend.
In other matches this weekend, Supersport United will play Santos, who have had a slow start to the season, at the Caledonian Stadium on Friday night.
Moroka Swallows will hope to do better than their 2-2 draw against Jomo Cosmos on Wednesday when they play log-leaders Bloemfontein Celtic at George Goch Stadium on Saturday.
Dynamos will play Qwa Qwa Stars at Thohoyandou at on Saturday and Stars are likely to beat the relegation-threatened home-side.
AmaZulu will have a tough time when they play giants Kaizer Chiefs at Kings Park Stadium in Durban in another Saturday fixture.
A double-header between Cape Town Spurs and Jomo Cosmos and Seven Stars and Hellenic will cerainly dish up great amounts of excitement when the melee ensues at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday.
Vaal Professionals will meet Wits University at the Iscor Stadium in Sebokeng on Sunday, and the students can expect a tough battle from the home-side.