New Year’s Eve games will test players’ mentality - George Maluleka

PSL stars usually have a break over the festive period but, after the eight-week FIFA World Cup break that started in November, DStv Premiership fixtures are set to resume this weekend.

While a common practice in the English Premiership, it is a new experience for South African footballers to “work” on the 31st of December while many usher in the New Year in celebration.

On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs will entertain Golden Arrows, while Richards Bay face Swallows, and AmaZulu take on Sekhukhune United in Polokwane.

Maluleka, currently in his 16th season as a professional, tells SABC Sport it will be a massive mental test out on the pitch.

"It's something different but we see in the EPL, they play on the first and second, so obviously, as a player, mentally you try and get yourself into that space," Maluleka says.

"Yes, it's holiday season [and] festive, but we're training and we don't have time because when you're done with training, you sleep, it's fine. 

"So, it's going to be a very interesting second half [of the DStv Premiership season]."

The first game upon the resumption of domestic action will see Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Orlando Pirates to Loftus Versfeld on Friday afternoon (15:30) – catch the match LIVE on SABC 1 and SABC Radio Stations, with build-up from 14:30.

By Charles Baloyi