Shell Helix Ultra Cup: Kaizer Chiefs vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
BetXchange Odds:
Form
The Shell Helix Cup might be a new trophy, but it is one that the rival Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are taking seriously in the cup’s second year of existence.
The Sundowns are the defending champions – and only winners to this point – having beaten the Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium to claim the silverware last year. While this trophy is one that is given at the end of what is basically a friendly encounter as a break in the season is allowing teams to fine-tune what is working and change what is not, it will still be a competitive game as both want the bragging rights that come with the win.
The rivalry between the two teams has been very even over the course of the last five seasons. The Chiefs and the Sundowns have played 11 times in all competitions, with the Kaizer Chiefs winning three, the Mamelodi Sundowns winning four, and with four matches ending in draws. That sort of form suggests that the Chiefs will win here to tie up the series, but we all know that sports don’t always work that way.
Kaizer Chiefs
The Chiefs are approaching this as a serious game noting that the cup is the perfect way for the team to stay in match shape and kick on over the next stage of the season. While the team won’t be loaded with the starters that have seen the Chiefs climb to the top of the log after a brilliant start to the campaign, it will feature fringe guys who are trying to make their mark and force their way into the team.
It is important for the Chiefs to have all their players ready to go at the same competitive level when injuries and form drops hit over the course of the rest of the season.
Mamelodi Sundowns
The game has a little added head thanks to the comments of Tiyani Mabunda earlier this week. According to Mabunda, the Sundowns are respectful of the Chiefs but they are not scared by the start to the season their opponents have made. He believes that they have the better squad depth and that that will be enough to help carry the Chloorkop outfit to a win here.
Best Bets
All the talk coming out of the two camps this week suggests that both the Chiefs and the Sundowns want this win in the worst way. When you add in that players fighting for places in and around the first-choice matchday squad will be on show, you get the recipe for what should be an entertaining and passionate contest.
The Chiefs have started this season so well that it just hard to back against them here. They are the team to take in the head to head battle at 1.65 with BetXchange as they will be looking to keep their winning momentum going and claim this trophy for the very first time.
