A MAMELODI Sundowns team now free of all other competitions can throw themselves into the Premiership, starting tonight against an under-strength Mpumalanga Black Aces at Loftus Versfeld.
Premiership leaders Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in Saturday night’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Loftus. With a three-point lead on second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand, Downs can now throw everything into their remaining four PSL games.
Tonight they face an in-form Aces, who will miss their three players on loan from Downs – defenders Abel Mabaso and Method Mwanjali, and star forward Themba Zwane – due to the contractual stipulation.
To make matters worse for Aces coach Clive Barker, he has two more key players, centre-back Mbulelo Mabizela and central midfielder Miquel Timm, suspended.
This leaves Barker without the heart of his team. But the wily former Bafana Bafana coach, who has guided Aces to one defeat in eight matches, has made a remarkable 30 signings this season.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is wary of Aces, whose defeat of Chiefs at FNB Stadium last week boosted the Brazilians’ title chances.
“This is a team that beat us in the first round ,” said Mosimane. “They are not fifth by mistake. They have the great knowledge of their coach.
“And what helps is their players are not just ordinary players – they’re players with great experience. Above that they work hard – Aces are not an easy team to score against. And they score goals too.
“I think a big part of their secret is they have players who were not wanted elsewhere. They have something to prove. And their on-loan players know if they don’t do well this season, their clubs won’t want them back.”
Sundowns, after seven wins in a row, have a real chance of ending a seven-year title drought.
Mosimane has key players suspended, too – the on-form Lebohang Mokoena and skilful midfielder Bongani Zungu. But the Brazilians have the best depth in the PSL, and Dove Wome and the recently returned Elias Pelembe are able to step in with ease.
Sundowns’ last three matches are against Moroka Swallows (away), SuperSport United (home) and Maritzburg United (away).
The battle of the dugout
Premiership leaders Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in Saturday night’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Loftus. With a three-point lead on second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand, Downs can now throw everything into their remaining four PSL games.
Tonight they face an in-form Aces, who will miss their three players on loan from Downs – defenders Abel Mabaso and Method Mwanjali, and star forward Themba Zwane – due to the contractual stipulation.
To make matters worse for Aces coach Clive Barker, he has two more key players, centre-back Mbulelo Mabizela and central midfielder Miquel Timm, suspended.
This leaves Barker without the heart of his team. But the wily former Bafana Bafana coach, who has guided Aces to one defeat in eight matches, has made a remarkable 30 signings this season.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is wary of Aces, whose defeat of Chiefs at FNB Stadium last week boosted the Brazilians’ title chances.
“This is a team that beat us in the first round ,” said Mosimane. “They are not fifth by mistake. They have the great knowledge of their coach.
“And what helps is their players are not just ordinary players – they’re players with great experience. Above that they work hard – Aces are not an easy team to score against. And they score goals too.
“I think a big part of their secret is they have players who were not wanted elsewhere. They have something to prove. And their on-loan players know if they don’t do well this season, their clubs won’t want them back.”
Sundowns, after seven wins in a row, have a real chance of ending a seven-year title drought.
Mosimane has key players suspended, too – the on-form Lebohang Mokoena and skilful midfielder Bongani Zungu. But the Brazilians have the best depth in the PSL, and Dove Wome and the recently returned Elias Pelembe are able to step in with ease.
Sundowns’ last three matches are against Moroka Swallows (away), SuperSport United (home) and Maritzburg United (away).
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