Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns clashes often make the grass suffer.
TEKO MODISE ENJOYS STAR GAUTENG DERBY
Orlando Pirates vs. Mamelodi Sundowns is dubbed the Star Derby. As the only two South African teams with CAF Champions League gold medals, symbolised by the stars above each team’s badges, it is better than the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and the Buccaneers, according to Teko Modise.
“We’ve come to understand and be aware that this fixture between Pirates and Sundowns is slowly becoming the most looked forward to fixture in the calendar year,” Modise said, as quoted by the Citizen. “In as much as the Soweto derby is big historically but football-wise, this is the best fixture of the year.
“This is the only fixture that you can compare pound-for-pound, and you can go right-back for right-back, left-back for left-back and still feel like whatever team you are supporting, they still have a chance of winning, that shows how this fixture has become. These are two teams who have been on the podium for the past few years and Pirates are the team who are expected to challenge Sundowns,” Modise added.
“There has always been talk about who will challenge Sundowns and I think the consistency of coach Jose Riveiro, they have been challenging but in cup competitions, not in the league. Coach Riveiro is yet to win the league and that will be the biggest challenge.
“Sundowns have a new coach and that can also play into Pirates’ favour because he (Miguel Cardoso) needs to acclimatise to Sundowns culture, the players, and the way of playing,” concluded Modise.
WILL IT BE ORLANDO PIRATES OR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO WIN THE BETEWAY PREMIERSHIP?
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