Brazilians to down Amakhosi, predicts Robert Marawa

Anticipation is building for the weekend's marquee Premier Soccer League fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria.

League leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will host Kaizer Chiefs in a match expected to draw significant attention. While Sundowns are considered the favourites, Chiefs may present a formidable challenge.
Ahead of the live broadcast on Showmax Premier League this Saturday, we chatted to Showmax Premier League ambassador Robert Marawa to get his views on the game.

“I think for me, the most important part heading into this weekend’s game is knowing that it’s another sold out affair. We usually see the sold-out signs when there is a Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium, but all roads lead to the Lucas “masterpieces” Moripe Stadium, and it is sold out. Yes, it’s a smaller venue, yes, people will complain and say why not take it to a bigger venue. Well, it’s impossible to do that. As we all know, Loftus is a rugby stadium and there is rugby happening this weekend. Lucas “masterpieces” Moripe Stadium is Sundowns' home ground and they have every right to utilise it. All they got to do is sell the tickets that are meant to be sold, shut shop and have a vibey atmosphere. As long as the security is on top of their game and everybody is seated in their comfortable seats, that is all that matters. It should be a humdinger of a game.

“I personally am looking forward to the game for many different reasons, but dare I say, whoever would have envisaged a 15-point gap between number one and number two. What is very disappointing for me is the fact that there is a four-game difference between number one and two so it’s a very unhealthy gap, especially when you starting to turn the corner. Sundowns have played 19 games, while Pirates have no business to be so many games further behind. Why not have Pirates play this week is a big question for me. They would have been able to start to close the gap and it makes it a bit more realistic. Everyone likes to have a realistic chase down for the title but right now points in the bag versus points still to be played for is not nice to watch.

“At the end of the day Sundowns have done what they needed to be do. They’ve got two players that are number one and number two in the top goalscoring charts in Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners. Both of them have also assisted on six occasions, so Sundowns are firing right now. They got an exciting attack and I’m looking forward to it.

“Unfortunately for Kaizer Chiefs, they lie a further 26 points behind Sundowns, so maybe for them it’s not about a title chase, but rather making sure that in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s first full season they finish in the top eight, which is good co-comfort for them. I am just disappointed that one man I thought would be playing is suspended for the game, after he got sent off against SuperSport and that is Gaston Sirino. He has shown star quality, and so it’s disappointing that he won’t be playing due to suspension. All of Chiefs hopes will lay with the trio of Lody Makabi Lilepo, Thabo Cele and Tashreeq Morris. The new signings have been good and have earned their places in the starting lineup. I have been particularly impressed with Cele, he’s got the pedigree and ability, and he can be a regular for Bafana Bafana.

“We have a beautiful game in prospect at a great stadium. I look forward to a cracker of a game. Could it be a high scoring game? We shall see. The one thing I can guarantee is that it won’t be a goalless draw. Brace yourself for another classic Sundowns showdown, and a very improved Chiefs side. The match up should be great. I am going to take a wild swing at something I don’t usually do and give a score prediction. I would give this one 3-1 to Sundowns.”

Catch Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 1 March 2025, at 15:30.

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