Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

While a R20 000 pay cheque is just reward for an admirable comeback, uppermost on Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper Calvin Marlin's mind is getting the better of Platinum Stars.

Sundowns and Stars' Absa Premiership match on Sunday at Super Stadium pits two sides smarting from recent home defeats. (Kick off is at 3.30 pm).

In fact, the two teams so incensed their respective coaches that Downs' Henri Michel declared the abysmal performance on Sunday as "one of the worst ever by a team I coached", while the normally affable Miguel Gamondi was, to put it mildly, enraged after the 1-4 thumping they got.

Marlin was rewarded this week for his above-average performances in the club's monthly awards.

"They [Stars] will give us a difficult game but I'm looking forward to us turning our performance around.

"I'm hoping to see goals, which has been our big problem," he said.

In their past five games, Downs have scored just two goals.

While Marlin was the reason Downs returned respectable scorelines in those matches, Stars must be happy that dependable defender Michael Khaile is available for selection again.

Tshepo Ramokala, Edward Williams and George Mofokeng will also be available for the Tycoons, while striker Hareaipha Marumo and defender Oscar Ntwagae are out.

"The morale is low, but this is a time to stick together as a team and we owe ourselves a win so we cancould boost our confidence," Khaile said.