Title, top-three race intensifies as Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs face crucial clashes

Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs’ respective Betway Premiership title and top-three ambitions could take shape when they compete in their respective clashes on Wednesday night, both kicking off at 7.30pm.

Sundowns will visit Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium. Despite the gulf in quality and points on the log – with Sundowns second and City sixth – this will be no easy match for the Brazilians. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s troops head to Seshego eager to bounce back to winning ways and leapfrog Orlando Pirates at the top of the log with a two-point lead.

However, they’ve struggled to build momentum in the league lately, drawing their last two games.

City will also be tough as nails. They recently held Chiefs to a goalless draw, while coach Phuti Mohafe pulled off a surprise in their last home fixture against Sundowns by beating them.

Chiefs, meanwhile, will face Siwelele at the Free State Stadium, eager to win and consolidate their third-place position on the standings.

Amakhosi have done well in recent weeks, enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak, which includes five wins and two draws. That’s why they’ll want to maintain that run by returning to winning ways.

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef head to the City of Roses with confidence. They held Pirates to a 1-1 draw in the last Soweto Derby of the season on Sunday, showing improvement after the 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Granted, a win against Siwelele – who will also be desperate for points to ensure their safety – would see Chiefs edge closer to continental football next season. But they are also targeting the 50-point mark for the first time since finishing as runners-up in the 2019/20 season.