Black Leopards return to action after almost a month under the watchful eye of former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba against struggling Sundowns in a Castle Premiership match at Thohoyandou on Saturday.
”Sundowns must not expect any favours. We also need maximum points to ensure that we qualify for the SAA Supa next season,” said Leopards spokesperson Tshifiwa Thidiela.
”The guys have been training hard here in Thohoyandou over the past few weeks and everybody is fired up for the match. We have also being playing several friendly matches to keep the momentum going.”
Sundowns will be travelling to Limpopo minus veteran captain Daniel Mudau, who was sent off during their midweek league match against Zulu Royals in Durban.
Mudau scored for Sundowns during that match, which ended in a one-all draw.
However, the Brazilians welcome back first-choice goalkeeper Andre Arendse after a one-match suspension.
In the absence of Arendse, coach Paul Dolezar fielded former Namibian international Filemon Kananelo.
Sundowns spokesperson Alex Shakoane said they are determined to pocket the three points on Saturday and was also adamant that Sundowns will qualify for the Supa 8.
”We played very well against Zulu Royals but were unfortunate not to score more goals. I’m convinced we are going to embarrass Leopards in their own backyard.”
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs entertain Silver Stars at FNB Stadium on Saturday in a match where wayward midfielder Jabu Pule is expected to play after being out of action for almost seven weeks.
Pule has completed his one-month suspension after disappearing on the eve of their crucial Absa Cup match against Sundowns at Odi Stadium in Mabopane last month.
In another league match taking place this weekend, tailenders Hellenic entertain Royals at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton on Sunday. It will be Hellenic’s first game under former Bafana Bafana and Amakhosi striker Fani Madida as head coach.
Madida was appointed new coach after the departure of Walter Steenbok.
The match was originally scheduled for PAM Brink Stadium in Springs. The Premier Soccer League on Friday confirmed that the match was shifted to Daveyton because of the unavailability of PAM Brink. — Sapa