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SETTLED: Sundowns' player of the month Derrick Spencer says the team has turned the corner. 22/10/08. Pic. Lefty Shivambu. © Gallo Images.
SETTLED: Sundowns' player of the month Derrick Spencer says the team has turned the corner. 22/10/08. Pic. Lefty Shivambu. © Gallo Images.

Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Happy days are back at Mamelodi Sundowns, who, courtesy of four consecutive wins, are now among those chasing pacesetters SuperSport United.

Downs host Wits University in an Absa Premiership match at Super Stadium tomorrow. Kickoff is at 6pm.

The Brazilians have turned the corner after a miserable first half of the season, and look to have settled their turbulent camp.

One player confident in Downs' ability to challenge for the league honours is January player of the month Derrick Spencer, who has consistently made Michel's starting line-up.

"It was difficult at the beginning. We had 14 new players and a new coach and it took some time for us all to bond, Spencer said.

"We now have working combinations and can make a strong case for ourselves in the league race."

Spencer has been among the top three performers several times, something he is proud of.

"Anyone would be honored to have their hard work acknowledged, but Wits are dangerous and I cannot point to any one player as their danger man," he said.

Teammate Surprise Moriri is the top goal scorer with seven goals and with Dario Monteiro also back among the goals after scoring for his country in midweek, Wits had better come prepared.

Wits captain Sibusiso Mahlangu pointed to the log points - they have 30 and Downs have one more - to illustrate how close the contest will be.

"We are just one point behind them and winning this match will see us back where we were earlier in the season, amongst the leaders. While Sundowns are the best assembled side in the country, our guys are very motivated to win this one," said Mahlangu.

Players such as Sam Ramasoeu and Sifiso Myeni should be able to implement Roger de Sa's game plan, though Dale Studzinski is unavailable.

In what could be a volatile event, after clashes between players, coach and supporters last weekend, Platinum Stars host Bay United at Mafikeng Stadium.

Kickoff is at 3.30 pm.

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