Ordinarily, the fixture between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United would be just arbitrary, with Ba Bina Noko expected to roll down and take a beating. But that’s a thing of the past, with Sekhukhune now one of the bravest and toughest opponents in the league.
In fact, today’s encounter between the two sides, billed for the Loftus Stadium at 3:30pm, could have a bearing on where the PSL title might go. Before yesterday’s overrated Soweto derby, Sundowns were topping the league standings, followed by Orlando Pirates and with
Sekhukhune sitting comfortably in third position.
So, to say that Ba Bina Noko are in the race for the league title is understating things – they are there in the mix and are serious contenders. Even though they have played an extra game compared to Sundowns, Sekhukhune are trailing the Brazilians by a mere six points, and that margin could be cut in half if Eric Tinkler’s boys can hoodwink the defending champions today.
Sundowns, who won the league title for eight consecutive seasons, are facing a stiffer challenge this season. Gone are the days when they used to win the league at a canter, with many matches remaining in their schedule. This time around, Pirates are running a tight ship and are threatening to wrestle the PSL trophy away from Chloorkop.
After a jittery run, Sundowns have been regaining their mojo in the last few matches in the league. Despite being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, they have shown true intent to defend the trophy, which they have made their very own. They registered two hard fought victories; a statement 2-1 victory over the Buccaneers and another 1-0 win over a stubborn AmaZulu midweek. The two wins have boosted coach Miguel Cardoso’s side and the confidence is back that they can thwart Pirates’ chances.
Against Usuthu, Cardoso’s plans were scampered when he was forced into making an early change when Thapelo Morena sustained an injury just after the half-hour mark. Nuno Santos came in to replace the speedy Morena. But nonetheless, Sundowns’ attack kept on improving, and in the final stages, with only six minutes to play, Marcelo Allende finally broke the deadlock with a beautiful finish from close range, bringing home the much needed three points.
Cardoso, who has been facing heavy criticism from the club’s die-hard supporters, mentioned that fatigue was creeping into his squad, and that this was one of the reasons why he has been rotating his players.
Masandawana is the only PSL team that still campaigning in CAF club competitions, the Champions League. Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC were knocked out, and this means that Sundowns’ fixture schedule has grown more hectic due to travelling up and down the continent.
“But there is still some fatigue on the players, it is clear,” said Cardoso after the AmaZulu match. “We need to focus more than ever on resting.
“I hope that everybody, especially the Masandawana family, can understand the conditions that these players face. Since the beginning of the season, the demands that we have put on the players, the players must rest.
“But it was an amazing job; let us pick up the energy and get ready for the next match with the same fitness and with the same commitment, quality, desire and passion, that will make the difference for us,” he added.
