Pitso Mosimane, coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the MTN8 2019 Mamelodi Sundowns Media Day at the Chloorkop, Chloorkop on the 16 August 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bloemfontein Celtic: Prediction, scores, kick off and head to head
The MTN8 trophy has proven elusive for Mamelodi Sundowns, and they begin their pursuit at home aganst Bloemfontein Celtic.
Pitso Mosimane, coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the MTN8 2019 Mamelodi Sundowns Media Day at the Chloorkop, Chloorkop on the 16 August 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Pitso Mosimane has collected pretty much all that’s been put before him since taking the reins at Mamelodi Sundowns, but the MTN8 trophy has remained elusive.
The defending league champions begin another bid for the coveted prize on Saturday as they host Bloemfontein Celtic at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The Tshwane outfit is yet to win this particular competition since doing so in 2007, and have set their sights on adding it to their impressive trophy cabinet.
Midfielder Tiyani Mabunda says the club is determined to change the luck in the tournament, where they crashed out in the last for on their previous attempt.
“This cup has eluded us for a very long time. It is actually the cup that we do not have in our cabinet,” Mabunda said.
“But if the coach says this is the year – we have to do something, that means he has a plan.”
Sundowns go into the match at the back of a one-all draw away to Chippa United in midweek.
The result completed a two-match winless run, after they were beaten by Congolese outfit AS Otoho in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League over the weekend. This was around the same time Saturday’s opponents were making merry against Golden Arrows in their league encounter.
Celtic put Abafana Besthende to the sword, running off 5-0 victors in their last outing.
Despite gaining confidence from the result, coach Lehlohonolo Seema is cautious not to get carried away.
“We will continue to work hard. There is still a long way to go,” Seema said.
“They never come easy. We will prepare well (for the game against Sundowns).”
Lehlohonolo Seema
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bloemfontein Celtic head-to-head
Last five encounters
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Bloemfontein Celtic
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein Celtic 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Bloemfontein Celtic 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Bloemfontein Celtic
Kick-off time and prediction
Kick off: 20:15
Prediction: Sundowns have been upset before in domestic cup competitions, and one shouldn’t rule that out from happening. However, we’ll go with the safe bet and tip them to win this particular encounter.
