Can Sundowns spoil the Happy People's party?

Mamelodi Sundowns will go into their much anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates on sartuday night hoping to reclaim the top spot. But Pirates will definitely give them a fight of their lives trying to protect their unbeaten run that has gone for over ten matches and keep the number one spot. This is going to be a tough battle.

Both teams never disappoint every time they face each other and this time around there will be even more at stake.

Fresh from winning the coach of the month award, Rudi Krol will expect nothing more than a win from his high flying side. Beating Sundowns will strengthen the buccaneers chances of winning the league title. Knowing all too well that the chasing pack is breathing down their necks, Pirates will be on top of their game and they will pull out all the stops to win this one, and hopefully get some breathing space from the other title contenders.

Pirates have proven to be very strong in attack this season and they are scoring goals. So we can expect an open game full of goal-mouth action, considering that the brazillians are also an attack- minded team and they are also finding the back of the net.

Looking at Sundowns, you can rest assured that they will go into this game with more confidence following two impressive victories over Swallows and Santos respectively. Sundowns scored five goals in these their past two matches. Despite losing their coach Antonio Lopez Habas, The team seems not to be affected much. The likes of the free-scoring Nyasha Mushekwi, Elias Pelembe and Lebo Mokoena are on top of their game. They will be expected to dish-out some good performances against the log leaders.

One other motivating factor for the Downs players will be the fact that they have a new man in charge. They will be eager to impress care-taker coach Ian Gorowa so that they can earn regular starting positions in the team. Gorowa himself won't have much problems when it comes to motivating his troops for this tough battle.

This will be an exciting game and we can expect both sides to come out firing from the first whistle.

Are we going to see Pirates continuing with their fine run of form, or will Sundowns spoil the happy people's party?

That my friend, remains to be seen.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane