POLOKWANE City have never beaten Mamelodi Sundowns in Downs’ backyard in more than four years of life in the Absa Premiership.
Rise and Shine aim to end that hoodoo when they face the Brazilians in a PSL clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
City, who got promoted to the top flight in 2013, have travelled to Pretoria four times – drawing two matches and losing two.
Johnny Mogaladi’s lads have only beaten the seven-time PSL champions once in eight league meetings.
City head coach Bernard Molekwa admitted that they were expecting a tough match against the African champions.
But he said they were ready to fight for the three points and to improve on their dismal away record against Downs.
“Sundowns are a big team and have good players, but we are ready for them,” he said.
“We know our away record against Sundowns is not good. We are going to Pretoria to fight for points and also to rewrite that bad record.”
City drew 0-0 with neighbours Baroka FC at the weekend, which followed hot on the heels of their 1-0 MTN8 quarterfinal loss to Cape Town City.
And Molekwa has warned his players to collect points now, or it will be tough going in the second round of the season.
“We need to start winning games as soon as possible,” he said.
“We have a strong squad capable of doing that. Tonight’s game will be tough but we have to fight hard. Anything is possible in football.”
Downs come into this clash as favourites following their convincing 2-0 win against Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at the weekend.
Downs head coach Pitso Mosimane will be hoping his boys continue their winning form tonight.
“Sundowns normally start the season slow,” said Mosimane. “But this year we’ve started very well and I am happy.”
Molekwa knows that his defence comprising Thapelo Tshilo, Siphiwe Hlongwane and Sibusiso Mbonani need to be at their best to stop Downs’ stars.
Despite their new acquisition, Sundowns’ highly talented striker Thokozani Sekotlong who has been signed on a five-year deal, City will be faced with the talented Percy Tau, Khama Billiat, Themba Zwane and captain Hlompho Kekana.