Talking Point: Is there a ceiling for record breaking Sundowns?

Ntokozo Gumede When SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt said Mamelodi Sundowns need to be judged on the Caf Champions League, instead of performances in the DStv Premiership, a lot of criticism was levelled against him. 

ALSO READ: Mokwena still wants more as Sundowns smash top flight record

But in reality, all the evidence points to another easy league crown for the Brazilians.

So far this season, Downs have lost only twice and drawn just once. Those statistics speak of a side that has all their ducks in a row and the general perception is that Downs are looking to wrap up the league as soon as possible and shift their focus to the Champions League group stages, which kick off next month.

There is little doubt, if any at all, that the league is heading to Chloorkop but the question is, how far can this Sundowns side really go? Downs coach Rulani Mokwena insisted that there is no ceiling for Masandawana and that he looks to improve the side all the time. 

Record breakers

Sundowns just set a new Premier Soccer League record of winning 12 games on the spin, and with as many games left until the conclusion of the season, if Bafana Ba Style win all of their remaining games, they can reach a record-breaking 82 points.

The current record is a total tally of 71 points. Downs collected their last three points against Kaizer Chiefs. Speaking of Chiefs, will head coach Arthur Zwane ever get it right? The winning formula has been somewhat of mystery for the former winger.

Zwane’s record reads; seven losses, three draws and seven wins in 17 games. Maybe management is on the side of Zwane but Amakhosi fans have proven time and time again how fickle they can be.

At this rate, the Glamour Boys are very much in the running for second place but the gap between themselves and Sundowns is far too big. 

What makes it worse is the almost eight-year trophy drought that looks to continue given the club’s form. In all three of their games since the turn of the year, Chiefs have not scored a single goal and shipped in six. It is clear that Zwane will need to dig a lot deeper, but the question remains — will he ever get it right?