Mamelodi Sundowns vs Maritzburg United In Numbers
Absa Premiership Round 1 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Maritzburg United Date: 8 August 2014 Time: 20:15 Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium FOR LIVE COMMENTARY GO HERE Defending Absa Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, will get their league defence off to a bumper when they entertain the tricky Maritzburg United tonight. The two sides' last meeting was an entertaining 1-1 draw in the league end fixture last season. Sundowns have already been booted out of one competition following their MTN8 exit at the hands of Platinum Stars last Saturday, and are eager to bounce back from that loss. MAMELODI SUNDOWNS: Averages per game for 2013-14 season: Shots on goal: 5.83 Entries into final third: 67.17 Successful passes: 338.37 Possession: 52.1 Successful tackles: 26.94 Key performers last season: Defender: Alje Schut 1.77 tackles per game Midfielder: Teko Modise 57.46 passes per game Forward/Striker: Cuthbert Malajila 2.08 shots per game Top goal scorer last season: Dove Wome (8) Top Assists last season: Khama Billiat (8) MARITZBURG UNITED: Averages per game for 2013-14 season: Shots on goal: 4.21 Entries into final third: 63.55 Successful passes: 249.86 Possession: 52.7 Successful tackles: 26.34 Key performers last season: Defender: Mohammed Awal 2.28 tackles per game Midfielder: Ashley Hartog 24.22 passes per game Forward/Striker: Terrence Mandaza 1.38 shots per game Top goal scorer last season: Kurt Lentjies/Thokozani Sekotlong (3) Top Assists last season: Kurt Lentjies/Ryan de Jongh (4) FOR LIVE COMMENTARY GO HERE Key Stats: The Brazilians have roped in a couple of new faces ahead of tonight's clash, and it remains to be seen who Pitso Mosimane will pick in order to do duty against the Team of Choice. The home team possess successful passes of 338.37 compared to United's 249.86. The Chloorkop-based side also have better entries into the final third which stands 67.17, but Maritzburg are not that far off the pace, and have 63.55.
