Mamelodi Sundowns are currently five points clear of nearest rival’s Kaizer Chiefs and the question that is on everyone’s mind is whether or not any of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title contenders can catch them in the title race?
While the Brazilians recently stuttered against Free State Stars, it is important to note that the Tshwane giants are still very much favourites for the title considering that the solitary point still gives them the ascendency going forward. But despite the apparent advantage, many of the Sundowns players and coach Pitso Mosimane have been cautious about their predictions.
Last season Sundowns fell by the wayside during their final few games, inevitably giving the tittle to Bidvest Wits as the weight of travelling on the continent and domestic front took its toll. But this time around it seems as though both the players and staff are eager to prove they have learnt from their mistakes.
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Nonetheless, with a satisfactory home record which has seen Sundowns win just two of their last five home games, the league title may not be sealed just yet. There may only be nine games left in the campaign but with a Tshwane Derby coming up on the weekend, before Sundowns tackle AmaZulu, a side which proudly boasts a victory against Sundowns this season, it could be a tough and nervy next few weeks for Mosimane’s troops.
Add to that, the fact that Chippa United, Maritzburg United and the Students lie in wait, on top of a Caf champions League trip to Rwanda, this could possibly be the ultimate test of depth and mental strength.
But if there’s one thing that the 2018/2018 season has been known for, it is inconsistency. One of the reason that the former Caf Champions League winners are where they are on the log has been because of the run that they have been able to put together.
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Aside from Amakhosi’s current form, Sundowns have been the most consistent side, granted that they struggled in the league early on. But after getting all their ducks in a row they have looked unstoppable.
Nevertheless, if Sundowns are to fail against their cross-town rivals on Saturday, then perhaps there is a chance that Chiefs, Pirates and to a lesser extent Free State Stars could perhaps catch Sundowns.
But it will all depend on the result against the struggling SuperSport. When Sundowns build a head of steam, it becomes extremely difficult to tame the beast, and surely after their draw against Stars, Sundowns will be baying for blood in the Derby.
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Lastly another important aspect that cannot be disregarded is the depth that Sundowns have. Last season, it was believed that Sundowns lost out on the title due to their lack of firepower and depth upfront.
This time around, Sundowns have brought in Jeremy Brockie, Aubrey Ngoma and Gaston Sirino, and with the South American playmaker in particular already showing his class, the league is surely Sundowns’ to lose right now.
