Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba has highlighted the importance of winning the Tshwane derby ahead of their clash against SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening (19:30). 

The two Tshwane-based outfits are set to renew their rivalry in what will be the first league match of the season for both sides in the inaugural Betway Premiership that commenced last weekend. 

Sundowns have dominated this fixture over the last couple of years, winning six of the previous 10 encounters against SuperSport across all competitions. 

Matsatsantsa’s last victory over the Brazilians dates back to September 2022. Modiba, who has represented both teams in the derby, has spoken about the importance of claiming the bragging rights in this match but acknowledges that it won’t be a walk in the park despite SuperSport’s last being in action in August in the MTN8 quarterfinals. 

“We know it’s about bragging rights in Pretoria, it’s not going to be easy, ” he said. 

“I’ve managed to play for both sides, and this is a game I am always looking forward to because these are our rivals from the same area. 

“So, it’s going to be tough, but I think we are ready for the task. They haven’t played in a long time but that doesn’t count because derbies are different and special, we are looking forward to that game. We are going to put up a fight to collect maximum points. 

“There are always goals in the Tshwane derby every season, it rarely ends as nil-nil, this shows the importance of the game and how much each team wants to win,” the Sundowns left-back added. 

The Bafana international believes winning their opening match of the league will send a message to the rest of the clubs that the reigning champions are determined to defend their crown after a rocky start to the domestic season. 

“Three points are very important,” Modiba stated. “Starting the league on a high will show that we want to be on a good track going forward into the season, we must do well in our first game.” 

Modiba went on to mention that they were relieved to have come out of their goal-rut following a 4- 0 thumping of Mbabane Swallows in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Saturday. 

“I think it was important for us to do well in the Champions League,” said Modiba, who was on the bench against Swallows and is set to be restored in the starting line-up in Tuesday’s game.   

“Scoring four goals, we haven’t been lucky in front of goal in our first three matches, so it was nice to see the guys on the scoresheet again. 

“It gives us and the attackers confidence going into the next games because when you score you are already looking forward to the next game so that you can try to score again, so it was nice to get that victory and very important for us going into the next games.”