Money’s on the Yellow Machine

Mamelodi Sundowns could mathematically clinch the Absa Premiership tonight if they can beat relegation-threatened and crosstown rivals University of Pretoria at the Tuks Stadium.

If they do, the silky Brazilians will go eight points clear at the summit of the premiership log and, even if contenders Bidvest Wits were to win all their remaining matches and Sundowns loses all theirs, the Clever Boys cannot topple them from the summit.

A Brazilian win tonight will mean Downs will have amassed a total of 65 points, and if Wits win their remaining two games, they will end up on 63 points, two shy of the champions-in-waiting.

Though the yellow machine (Downs) may clinch the league title tonight against struggling AmaTuks, they will only be crowned champions on the weekend of 21 May, which will be their last game of the season.

This is seen as a tactical move by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and its sponsors, Absa, to keep the fans trickling in at the stadia to witness the crowning of the league champions.

Previously, the PSL realised that fans no longer went to the stadia once the champions had been crowned, and this often happened with more than five games in hand.

The only consolation for the Clever Boys if the Brazilians clinch the title tonight is that, as the second placed team in the log, they will be able to play in the lucrative Confederation of African Football Champions League next year along with the Brazilians.

I am sure Clever Boys mentor, Gavin Hunt is keeping his fingers crossed that Downs falter and are beaten by hard running AmaTuks tonight to keep his team’s chances alive.

I am equally sure that his counterpart at Downs, Pitso Mosimane has warned his charges to be clinical and ensure they wrap-up the league or risk opening the window of opportunity for their rivals.