Three starters out for Sundowns rematch?

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Orlando Pirates trio Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalente Mbatha are each a yellow card away from a one-game suspension.

It will be a tedious team selection for Jose Riveiro this evening, who play Stellenbosch before their top-of-the-table clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday – a defeat in either game could spell the end of the road to PSL glory.

The Buccaneers lie sixteen points behind the league leaders with four games in hand. With twelve points up for grabs, the log doesn’t tell the whole story, but it certainly puts the Brazilians as favourites to win the league.

The pair met in early February, which ended in a 4-1 dismantling by Sundowns, who showed why they’re still the most feared team in the league. Miguel Cardoso’s side have won seven successive titles for a reason.

Precarious tightrope

Stellenbosch, who were recently eliminated in the Nedbank Cup by Kaizer Chiefs, will be no easy feat, suggesting that Riveiro will play his full-strength side to keep pace in the league, albeit three of his starters are on the verge of a one-game suspension.

Stellies target

Orlando Pirates will be keep a watchful eye on Stellies defender Thabo Moloisane during the game. According to reports, the Soweto giants are monitoring the 26-year-old.

“As far as defenders are concerned, Pirates’ main target is Thabo (Moloisane), and that’s why they are set to table an offer for him,” a source revealed.

“They are looking at strengthening the central defence as they are looking at having a strong backline next season where they will compete in almost all the competitions, including the CAF Champions League. Moloisane has grown as a player. He is playing in Africa with Stellenbosch and Pirates are looking at that as an advantage to sign him. You know the club is also looking at right back and left back”.