Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mashego has picked a player he believes will be the surprise package when the two SA giants clash.
Sundowns and Pirates will renew their rivalry on Saturday, 8 February, in the Betway Premiership, meeting for the first time this season. Kick-off at the sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria is at 3:30 PM.
Last season, the two rivals met four times: twice in the league, then in the MTN8 final and Nedbank Cup final, respectively. The Soweto giants claimed two victories in the cup finals, while Sundowns won one match in the league, and the other one was a stalemate.
In the current season, both sides have been impressive and dominant. Masandawana are at the summit of the log with 39 points from 14 outings. The Bucs, on the other hand, are second, trailing Sundowns with six points after amassing 33 points from 13 matches.
MASHEGO TIPS JAYDEN ADAMS TO SHINE IN THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS – ORLANDO PIRATES CLASH
The retired striker has tipped Masandawana’s new signing Jayden Adams to steal the show if he gets an opportunity to play against Pirates.
Adams joined the Tshwane giants in the January transfer window from Stellenbosch FC. The 23-year-old has made three appearances for Sundowns and scored one goal.
The Bafana Bafana international opened his Sundowns goalscoring account in the 3-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby in midweek and won the Man of the Match award.
“I think the underdog or surprise star for this game, if he plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, is Jayden Adams. He brought something in his last game for Sundowns,” Mashego told FARPost.
“In that game, I’ve seen something that I have never seen in South African football, especially from a South African midfielder in a long time.
“He’s a player who is composed, has awareness, and likes to go inside the box. If he’s given the chance, I think he will shine. This is a game for him to stamp his authority, and probably from that, he will return to the national team.
“He’s a player that I’ve been watching for a while and a player that I like for a long time. I’m happy at Sundowns, he’s surrounded by a lot of quality players who will help him bring that quality.”
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