Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership when they host Chippa United at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilians have Orlando Pirates breathing down their neck in second position and with the two teams separated by just a point in the race for the league title.

However, Sundowns still have a game in hand over Pirates, who are also at home to Bloemfontein Celtic on the same day.

Pitso Mosimane’s side will head into this match high on confidence having defeated Cape Town City on Sunday to book a place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

They have also boosted by the return to fitness of star forward, Khama Billiat, who was impressive in the win over City over the weekend, providing an assist in the first goal.

For Chippa, the motivation will be to cause an upset against the league leaders, which will boost their chances of securing a place among the top eight teams in the Premiership.

The Chilli Boys are currently in ninth position in the league table with six games to go to the end of the season.

The two teams played out to a goalless draw in their last league match.

Chippa United midfielder Mark Mayambela admitted that they have a tough week ahead with Wednesday’s match with Sundowns and another tough encounter against Kaizer Chiefs on the weekend.

“We have a tough week ahead playing Sundowns and Chiefs in four days,” Mayambela said. “But these are games that I enjoy the most, but they need great character and charismatic attitude.”

In team news, Chippa will be without defender Frederick Nsabiyumva due to suspension while skipper James Okwuosa, returns after missing the last match against Free State Stars.

Kick-off is at 19:30.