The Pretoria derby between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns is upon us, and a depleted Matsatsantsa is like a hapless lamb on their city rivals’ sacrificial table.
Sadly, this time, they collide in a complete farce. Such mockery is magnified by rules placed on loan-out players from Sundowns to United.
Although Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena attempted to offer an explanation on the clause restricting their loaned-out players from playing against their parent club, the talk failed to render this once formidable match any substance.
Over the years, matches between the two were epic. Tantalising and entertaining to the core.
Sometimes brutal and memorable. But the dominance of Sundowns lately has forced United to be systematic beggars.
As players continue to cross the floor from United to their opulent neighbours, so has the technical control.
Suddenly, the MTN8 Cup champions could impose any rules, no matter how sinister to their poorer city dwellers.
Sundowns have now orchestrated a light satirical comedy on United and this cup game.
Downs’ improbable plot has dire consequences. It aims to castrate their impoverished counterparts completely.
Rules and clauses on borrowed players nullify competition.
United coach Gavin Hunt has lamented this behaviour. In his own assertion, the multiple-title winning mentor agrees that “Sundowns have weakened all the opposition in the league”.
Scary was the revelation from Hunt “that even Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will not get closer to Sundowns in the near future”.
Leading to this match on Sunday, Sundowns dispatched Stellenbosch 3-0. Their display was littered with tactical efficiency, frontal pressing and total understanding of all moments of the game.
They controlled the game from inception to conclusion. Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema both scored in the first half, and newly signed Chilean Marcelo Allende completed the rout with his own debut goal in the second half.
The triple champions are obviously in a league of their own. On the other hand, ‘Matsatsana a Pitori’ recovered from their dizzy spell in the league.
United registered a comfortable win (1-0) against rookie side Richards Bay. It was a welcome result after an indifferent spell in which they lost matches easily.
Hunt has applied different formations, combinations and mental approaches to change United’s fortunes.
He now needs the right momentum to consolidate his minor gains midweek against Bay.
And then, after amassing his maiden win on his return to United, rules prohibit his further ascendancy.
Facing Downs with a depleted team is a crime. But this crime makes a mockery of an MTN8 Cup clash.
How on this planet will a castrated United stop Sundowns?
This rule prohibits Grant Magerman, Ricardo Goss and Thabang Sibanyoni from playing against the Brazilians.
So as it stands, a formidable Sundowns with all the technical and financial advantages will combat a hapless United.
Certainly, this is a farce and crime to cup football. United will be driven by hope and an obligation to honour the fixture. But in reality, we will witness a farce and a complete mockery of the history between the two teams.
Expect a hapless and depleted United to be thoroughly dissected. In summary, United will be a sacrificial lamb on Sundowns’ menu.
Kickoff: 18:00 (TUKS Stadium).
