‘DOWNERS’ WHO MUST PITCH UP
Mamelodi Sundowns may have been on a rollercoaster since the restart of season but they’ll get a chance to close in on Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs when the two teams clash at Orlando Stadium tomorrow (6pm kick-off). But that won’t be a walk in the park for the Brazilians, who are second and three points behind, as they’ll need a number of personnel to dust the lockdown cobwebs away and bring their best performance. Below, football writer MIHLALI BALEKA analyses those personnel
COACH: PITSO MOSIMANE
Mosimane’s success in domestic and continental football is well-documented, but he’ll know that playing in the CAF Champions League remains a priority after renewing his deal at the club with a bumper four-year extension. The Brazilians will be able to secure a spot in the club’s premier knockout competition through a top two finish. However, they haven’t been convincing since the restart with one win, two draws and a loss.
But their title aspirations were revived after their 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Monday, thanks to Themba Zwane’s goal late in the game.
KEEPER: DENIS ONYANGO
Onyango remains one of the best shot-stoppers in Africa. But he hasn’t lived up to that lofty billing in recent weeks after conceding eight goals in five matches. The Ugandan, however, will know that a clean sheet tomorrow will bring the Brazilians closer to regaining their league crown. The Pretoria giants, do after all, have a chance of keeping a clean sheet as they’ll come up against a Chiefs side that will be without suspended striker Samir Nurkovic who’s been their best player this season and has 13 league goals.
DEFENDER: MOTJEKA MADISHA
Madisha has been underwhelming since the restart after his schoolboy errors in defence have cost the team dearly. But through that dark period coach Mosimane has stuck with Madisha, ensuring that his confidence hasn’t dropped.
Madisha has to repay the faith shown to him by the technical team by delivering where it matters the most: helping his team to keep a clean sheet in their remaining four league matches and in the Nedbank Cup final.
MIDFIELDER: THEMBA ZWANE
Zwane has been expected to lead Sundowns to the promised land this season after the departure of stalwarts Bongani Zungu, Percy Tau, Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and Leonardo Castro in the last few seasons.
But the midfielder has blown hot and cold this season and was on the bench until the last minutes of the game during their 2-2 draw with Maritzburg United. But coach Mosimane will be hopeful that he’s returned to his best after scoring the only goal against Arrows.
FORWARD: GASTON SIRINO
Sirino’s performance has been below par this season after contributing to Sundowns’ chase for the title with just two goals and one assist in 16 league matches. But he still has a chance to be the hero if he drags Sundowns to the finish line in first place.
After all, having been colossal for Sundowns during their recent back-toback championship wins he’s well aware of the importance of stepping up during crunch time. And there’ll be no better time to redeem himself against Amakhosi.