Title in sight for Downs
It all boils down to this. Mamelodi Sundowns face Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow evening in a match that could see the Brazilians clinch the Premiership title for the first time in seven years.
Pitso Mosimane (coach) of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on April 05, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Downs need three points from their two remaining fixtures to rack up an unassailable 64 points.
Should the Tshwane giants flop against Matsatsantsa a Pitori they can still edge second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who are on 57 points with two games remaining, with Downs able to seal the crown when they face Steve Komphela’s Maritzburg United this weekend.
Coach Pitso Mosimane managed to pull the Tshwane side from the relegation quagmire last season, taking them straight to the top of the log, and Sundowns winning the title this season will not only be a reward to the Downs faithful, but will bring an end to years of barren seasons for Mosimane.
While Matsatsantsa are not at their peak, the methodical Mosimane admits they somehow always pose a tricky assignment for Downs.
“We have done our research but with SuperSport you never really know,” Mosimane said.
“They don’t score easily, but they play well and you never know what’s happening there. They use about 20 to 23 players and they are strong, because they have personnel. We have a task on our hands. It’s definitely a must-win game, and we must go out there and do what is required of us.”
The odds are in Downs’ favour to win the derby encounter and wrap up the Premiership title chase with a match to spare.
