Mamelodi Sundowns target winning Betway Premiership start against TS Galaxy

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their Betway Premiership campaign against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off at 19:30, determined to make an immediate statement after their opening fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed.

Sundowns are aiming to regain the league title they lost to Orlando Pirates last season, and victory against Galaxy would provide an ideal platform for their campaign.

The match also offers the Brazilians an opportunity to settle a score with the Rockets. Sundowns’ 3-2 defeat by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in May was their final league match of last season and confirmed that they would surrender the Premiership crown to Pirates.

That result remains fresh in the minds of the visitors, who will be seeking revenge when the sides meet again on Tuesday.

Sundowns have traditionally held the upper hand in this fixture, winning eight of the clubs’ 12 league meetings. However, TS Galaxy have made their home ground a difficult venue for the Brazilians in recent seasons.

The Rockets have won three of their past four home matches against Sundowns in all competitions. Those victories include the 3-2 league success in May and a 2-0 Nedbank Cup win in February.

The biggest issue for Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso could be the limited recovery time available to his players. They were taken through 120 demanding minutes in Saturday’s cup match, a situation that could lead to changes in the starting line-up.

Sundowns defeated Polokwane City 3-2 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. Cardoso said his side responded well after conceding and showed attacking quality during the first half.

“I think we reacted very well to the goal that we suffered. We made a beautiful first half, trying to escape from that man-to-man marking, finding the spaces to penetrate,” Cardoso said after their 3-2 win over Polokwane City on Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

He added that Sundowns could have scored more, but admitted the team was not yet at full physical strength following a demanding pre-season.

“I think we had chances to even score more. Obviously, suffering another goal from set pieces brings a lot of energy to the opponent, and then it’s a matter of pursuit. We are still not at our best physically; it’s clear. Our pre-season was tough.”

Galaxy coach Bernard Parker, meanwhile, must resolve a goalkeeping problem before facing Sundowns. Sipho Maseti was sent off against Siwelele and is suspended for the fixture.

Ira Tape is expected to replace him in goal. Galaxy opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Siwelele and will hope to use that performance as a foundation for a stronger result against Sundowns.

League fixtures

All midweek fixtures will start at 19:30.

Tuesday: Chippa v Bay, Dobsonville; Gallants v Kruger, Royal Bafokeng; Polokwane v Stellenbosch, Seshego; Galaxy v Sundowns, Mbombela.

Wednesday: AmaZulu v Pirates, Kings Park; Durban v Arrows, Chatsworth; Chiefs v Sekhukhune, FNB; Milford v Siwelele, Richards Bay.

Friday: Stellenbosch v Gallants, Athlone.

Saturday: Chiefs v Sundowns, FNB (15:00); Sekhukhune v Polokwane, Seshego (17:30); Durban v Bay, Chatsworth (20:00); Milford v Kruger, Sugar Ray Xulu (20:00).

Sunday: Chippa v Pirates, Kings Park (15:00); Galaxy v Arrows, Solomon Mahlangu (17:30).