Mamelodi Sundowns target fifth straight win against managerless Siwelele

The Brazilians have won their last four league matches and moved three points clear of reigning champions Orlando Pirates after edging Golden Arrows 2-1 on Sunday. Siyanda Ndlovu opened the scoring against his former club before Sede Junior Dion equalised, but Teboho Mokoena settled the contest with a late winner.

The victory also extended Sundowns' remarkable unbeaten home run to 27 league matches, setting a new PSL record. Miguel Cardoso's side can move six points clear at the summit with another victory, although they would have played two more matches than Pirates.

Cardoso has been rotating his squad heavily amid a demanding schedule and a number of injuries. Khuliso Mudau remains out long term, while Keanu Cupido and Arthur Sales are also sidelined. Deano Van Rooyen has arrived as cover at right-back, leaving the Sundowns coach with plenty of depth despite the absentees.

The hosts will also have one eye on their upcoming continental commitments, with an Intercontinental Cup meeting against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli scheduled for September 19.

For Siwelele, Wednesday represents a major test at a difficult time. They are still searching for their first competitive victory of the season after taking just two points from five league games, leaving them 14th in the standings.

Their latest setback, a 3-2 defeat away to Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, proved costly for Lehlohonolo Seema. The coach was dismissed the following day along with assistant Willem Jackson, with Godfrey Mosoetsa appointed caretaker coach.

Siwelele had shown fighting spirit at Chiefs, with Aphiwe Baliti and Michel N'Guessan finding the net, but another defeat left the club facing a difficult start to their rebuilding project after releasing 23 players during the off-season.

Mosoetsa has had little time to prepare his side for a meeting with the league leaders and could favour a cautious approach in an attempt to frustrate Sundowns.

The history between the clubs suggests goals could be on the cards. Their two league meetings last season produced a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein before Sundowns claimed a remarkable 7-4 victory in Pretoria. Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon both scored twice for the Brazilians, while Ghampani Lungu hit a hat-trick for Siwelele.

Sundowns will therefore start as overwhelming favourites, but Cardoso knows his players must maintain the intensity that has taken them to the top of the table.

"We had to show character to go back and find two or three moments in the game and have the chance to score from them," Cardoso said after the Arrows win. "It's the proof of character, and like I said, character is so important to winning long term."