ABSA PREMIERSHIP

2013/14 Season

Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs

Loftus Stadium


Thursday 23 January 2014


19h30 kick-off

Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will meet for a top-of-the-table Absa Premiership clash at the Loftus Stadium on Thursday, 23 January 2014, kick-off at 19h30.

Stuart Baxter looked ahead of the clash away at Sundowns,

"It has been a waiting game and a mixed bag of the festive break and Chan tournament. The National Team players returned to the team yesterday and the biggest challenge will be to get them to gel back into the team quickly, but they look ok so far," said Baxter.

"It will be near impossible to have them back in tip top condition. The National Team setup might be different to our setup. To imagine them (Khune, Mashamaite, Parker and Tshabalala) being 100% in top condition is impossible. We will monitor them and try to get them back into the team rhythm to be ready for the rest of the season," continues Baxter.

The Tshwane side is unbeaten at home this season, with four wins and two draws from six matches.

"Games like this are always difficult. Traditionally when these two teams meet, they produce fireworks. The nature of this particular clash makes it even more important to the fans. For us is getting on with the business and try to salvage three points from one of our fiercest rivals. People talk about a league decider, how can you talk about league decider halfway into the season? It can't be," said Baxter.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Chiefs have met in 56 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have 23 wins compared to 17 for ‘Downs, while 16 matches have been drawn.

Sundowns have won 13 of their 28 home matches against Chiefs, suffering seven defeats in the process. Last season the Soweto side took four points off the Brazilians, winning 2-1 at home before playing out a goalless draw in the return.

"They have assembled a very broad and deep squad. They have quality all round. Sundowns love playing the ball and they enjoy dominating their opponents. They are a good football team. We will bring everything we have to prevent them from hurting us," continued Baxter.

Chiefs come into the game having racked up six straight league wins. They ended 2013 with a 4-1 away victory over AmaZulu.

"After all we are ready. We have prepared ourselves despite missing four players due to the National commitment. George Maluleka, our new signee has raised his hand and demonstrated hunger to play since he arrived at the Club. The line up will depend on the rotation of the team as we are facing a hectic schedule ahead," concluded Baxter.

The Soweto giants have picked up 13 points from seven away matches and won their last three on the road.