Downs aim for redemption

Mamelodi Sundowns - a team that has registered only one win in the Absa Premiership League so far - look to break their seven-match winless streak tonight against defending champions Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld stadium.

Both teams made it to the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals at the weekend, but walked away with two very different results.

Sundowns booked a spot in the semifinals by defeating AmaZulu 2-0, while the Buccaneers were booted out by Bloemfontein Celtic.

However, despite Sundowns' win on Saturday, many fans are doubtful that the team will emerge victorious tonight.The only Premier League match the side have won this season was their opening one against Chippa United, which they won 1-0.

Club owner Patrice Motsepe is as frustrated as the fans about this unfortunate lack of results, but his support for coach Johan Neeskens has not wavered.

The team is spoilt for choice as far as quality players are concerned, but has only managed to score three goals in eight league encounters.

However, Pirates haven't been prolific goal-scorers either, with an average of only one goal per game since the season began.

Anthony Laffor, the Sundowns winger who has claimed back his spot in the starting line-up after weeks on the sidelines, tried to make sense of it all.

"Its frustrating to try and explain what is happening at Sundowns, especially when we are doing well in the cup, but not in the league.

"The fans need to see us win more games and the players need it as well," said the Liberian international.

Against Pirates, they face a wounded giant that is desperate to close the gap on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and the second-placed AmaTuks. The Buccaneers are third on the log.

Sundowns welcome back Punch Masenamela, the left back who missed the AmaZulu match because he was suspended.

But Neeskens will be forced to reshuffle his back four again as Clayton Daniels is unavailable tonight.

Pirates are still recovering from news that defender Rooi Mahamutsa will miss the rest of the season after he injured his Achilles tendon. Andile Jali has also joined the injury list.

One big boost for the side, however, comes in the form of striker Benni McCarthy, who is likely to start on the bench for the Buccaneers against Sundowns.

McCarthy has been injured since early September and coach Roger de Sa is itching to see the club's star striker back on the pitch.