Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows defender James Mayinga has explained why he thinks it will be difficult for Ernst Middendorp to cause an upset.
The two historic clubs meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening under the Dstv Premiership banner.
Mayinga says The Birds don't have the type of players to help Middendorp continue doing well against the defending champions.
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"It's a tough one because if you look at Sundowns they started very well against Pirates and won convincingly," Mayinga tells KickOff.
"And on the other hand, Swallows they lost theirs against Richards Bay. So, they are also trying to run away from the relegation.
"With new coach Middendorp still getting used to his players, it was always going to be a tough call bringing in a new coach that has a reputation at this point in time.
"At the position they are in Swallows they need players who can remain standing come rain or sunshine.
"On the other side Sundowns they haven't lost a match since Rhulani Mokwena took over, I think that's a reputation he will want to protect.
"So, it's a game that favours Sundowns. It's always difficult to play against people who haven't lost a match.
"The question is how can Middendorp motivate these youngsters to stand tall against the in-form Sundowns.
"Now it's a different scenario compared to what Swallows have to what he had [at Kaizer Chiefs] it's different.
"Swallows they don't have a prolific goalscorer that any given time can come and score.
"Musonda hasn't been the same Musonda we knew at Black Leopards, Kagiso Malinga hasn't scored in ages, their strike-force is lean, Wassim Isaacs hasn't got the supply he needs, the type of style is more direct.
"Motivation from Middendorp will be very important on how Swallows approach this one."
Sundowns go into today's clash sitting on top of the log table with 31 points already gathered, while Swallows are 14th.
Both teams have so far played only 13 matches.
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