Mamelodi Sundowns star Aubrey Modiba says he expects a difficult encounter against SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Brazilians start the season looking to defend their crown after claiming their seventh successive Betway Premiership title last season.
The Tshwane giants also begin the league season with a new coach in Manqoba Mngqithi, who was handed the reigns at the club after the sudden departure of Rhulani Mokwena.
Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa a Pitori will be looking to start the season on a high note after finishing in seventh place in the Premiership last season.
🚨 𝙏![CDATA[]]>𝙎![CDATA[]]>𝙃![CDATA[]]>𝙒![CDATA[]]>𝘼![CDATA[]]>𝙉![CDATA[]]>𝙀 𝘿![CDATA[]]>𝙀![CDATA[]]>𝙍![CDATA[]]>𝘽![CDATA[]]>𝙔 𝘿![CDATA[]]>𝘼![CDATA[]]>𝙔![CDATA[]]>🚨
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 17, 2024
🆚 SuperSport United
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Loftus Versfeld Stadium
📺 SS 202#Sundowns #BetwayPremiership #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/hp8URp62Si
Modiba, who played for SuperSport before making the switch to Sundowns, believes the game against their cross-town rivals will be a hotly-contested affair.
“We know Tshwane derbies are about bragging rights in Pretoria. So, it’s not going to be an easy one. I’ve managed to play for both sides, and the derby is always that one game I always look forward to,” Modiba said.
“It’s going to be a tough one, but I think we are ready for the task. SuperSport United have not played for a while now, but that doesn’t count. Derbies are different and special.
“We are looking forward to the game. We will make sure that we will be ready to fight and get maximum points.”
The left-back added that starting the new campaign with maximum points will be vital for Masandawana as they look to defend their title.
“It was important for us to do well in the Champions League, especially because we haven’t been lucky in front of goal, so that win has boosted our morale and has given us confidence going into the next game,” Modiba stated.
“Starting the league with maximum points is important for us and hopefully we can do that on Tuesday.”
IOL Sport