Week of truth for Mamelodi Sundowns
In the next seven days, Mamelodi Sundowns could pull the rug under Orlando Pirates' feet and get back on top of the Absa Premiership.
Pitso Mosimane coach of Mamelodi Sundowns (Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix)
But for that to happen, Pitso Mosimane’s side will have to win at least two of the three games they play in a week starting with tonight’s Tshwane derby where they meet SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld at 7.30pm.
Masandawana trail the Soweto giants by six points but have three games in hand. A win tonight and on Saturday away at Baroka FC would pull them level on 50 points before they host Chippa United on Tuesday.
READ: Pirates holding umbrella for Sundowns – Mabunda
Football analyst Fabian McCarthy believes Sundowns will be at the top at the end of the seven days, saying that the worst they can eke out of the three games would be seven points.
“It may look a hard task but it is not a unique situation for Sundowns. They have been planning for such instances since the beginning of the season. They knew they would have to play catch up at some point and will not be overwhelmed now,” said the former Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player.
“From the three games I believe they can get the nine points and jump back to the top, and even if that doesn’t happen, they can still be fine with seven points which is the worst scenario in this situation,” added McCarthy.
READ: Title race is only between Pirates and Sundowns – Kavazovic
Sundowns have been in fine form and proved their lethality when they thrashed Egyptian and continental giants Al-Ahly 5-0 in the first leg of their Caf Champions League quarterfinal. Their players are in fine form, said McCarthy.
“I know the intensity from that Champions League game will not be the same when they play domestic league games, but they have players who have proved to be hungry for success and I don’t see them lowering the standard and focus just because it’s not Al-Ahly in front of them,” he said.
It might however not be as easy as McCarthy believes as two of Sundowns’ opponents, Baroka and Chippa are in a desperate situation where they are fighting to unshackle themselves of relegation worries and will put up a serious fight.
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