Refreshed Mamelodi Sundowns out to increase advantage at the top of the log

A refreshed Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to put the foot on the pedal as they inch closer to defending their league title when they host AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off).

The Pretoria-based outfit currently holds a comfortable 16-point lead at the top of the log, leaving the onus on challengers Orlando Pirates to chase them down and break their seven-season league-winning streak.

The Brazilians had a rare weekend off after their Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Sekhukhune United was postponed due to the match venue being booked for back-to-back fixtures. The postponement may have been ideal in terms of rest, but whether it has affected the rhythm of the 17-time league champions will be put to the test, as they welcome an AmaZulu side that has shown significant improvement in the last two months and currently occupies sixth position on the log with 30 points.

Sundowns have had the upper hand over Usuthu in recent meetings. Iqraam Rayners was the difference when the two sides met in December, with his 90th-minute winner ensuring that the Pretoria giants didn’t drop what would have been two crucial points.

The former Stellenbosch FC striker has been one of the standout players in his first season, scoring nine goals so far — three behind teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa. However, another key player making a telling impact since his January transfer move has been Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.

The 23-year-old midfielder has also scored two goals, and speaking ahead of what will be his first outing against Usuthu in Sundowns colors, Adams expressed his satisfaction with the brief break and expects a tough encounter against the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

“The mood is very good coming from a break. I think the boys are ready and looking forward to the AmaZulu game,” Adams commented. “I think we expect a very energetic team that likes to press high, sometimes in a low block, but I think our preparation was very good; we worked on a few new things.”

Adams has seamlessly fit into Miguel Cardoso’s team, and such has been his immediate impact that he has already become a key player in a Sundowns squad chasing not only the league title but also the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League glory.

The former Stellies man could have a midfield battle with former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns defender Bongani Zungu in what could be an intense tussle that may play a crucial role in deciding the match's outcome. However, Adams has also been keeping a close eye on other key players from an improving Usuthu side.

“Rowan Human is in form right now, and (Riaan) Hanamub — their wingbacks are very attacking. Zungu has experience, and he's a ball player. Coming from Sundowns, it’s going to be a nice battle for me in the midfield.”

AmaZulu have lost only one of their last five fixtures, and as they prepare to take on what will be their toughest assignment in recent times, they appear well-equipped to put up a challenge against a fancied Sundowns side.