03 October 2019, by: Leonard Solms

Shell Helix Ultra Cup Preview & Prediction

A reported 50,000 supporters turned out to watch Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at last year’s Shell Helix Ultra Cup. The event returns to FNB Stadium on 12 October with Kaizer Chiefs in improved form. They will, therefore, be hoping to draw an even bigger crowd.

There is no such thing as a friendly when these fierce rivals clash, especially not when they are each among the early frontrunners for the league title.

Amakhosi will face Bloemfontein Celtic in the Macufe Cup the following day at the Free State Rugby Stadium. It is unclear how they will opt to manage their squad, but fringe players will be hoping for game time.

Sundowns themselves have a busy schedule due to the CAF Champions League. However, their tremendous depth will work to their advantage. The clash with Kaizer Chiefs affords an opportunity to some of the players looking to break into Pitso Mosimane’s team.

The Masandawana mentor has upped the ante ahead of this fixture by making Ernst Middendorp’s men the target of his mind games.

Apart from suggesting in an interview with SuperSport that Amakhosi routinely benefit from dodgy officiating, he also commented on Chiefs’ schedule. They have less on the agenda this season having failed to qualify for the MTN8, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

“I call them a well-rested team‚” said Mosimane of Kaizer Chiefs.

“They should be able to compete for the league because they are playing on Saturday and then again the next Saturday.

“They have the energy and time to fix their problems at training.

“Sorry‚ we (Sundowns) have to play every three days‚ but they (Chiefs) are the favourites for me as we speak and that is what I said about Bidvest Wits last year because they also didn’t have anything to do.

“Chiefs now are the favourites.”

Despite Mosimane’s backhanded praise for his opponents, Sundowns are predicted to retain their title with their squad depth proving crucial even away from home.

It is difficult to predict team lineups, but the likes of Lebohang Maboe and Sibusiso Vilakazi are looking to return to top form and new signings Mauricio Affonso and Sammy Seabi will seek to force their way into regular starting spots.

For Chiefs, Bruce Bvuma will hope for his first appearance in between the sticks since the 3-2 win over Highlands Park in Amakhosi’s first league game this season. 

In addition, the likes of Siphelele Ntshangase, Lorenzo Gordinho and Willard Katsande will have a point to prove should they be handed game time, as will new signing James Kotei.

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