Sundowns Under Fire in Title Race

Pressure is mounting on Mamelodi Sundowns as the Betway Premiership title race enters its final stretch. With a game in hand, the Brazilians currently trail Orlando Pirates by a single point. Following the Soweto Derby draw, the Bucs lead the log with 59 points from 26 matches, while Sundowns sit in second with 58 points from 25 matches.  

Former striker Katlego Mashego believes the defending champions, Sundowns, have lost their clinical edge. “Recently, it looks like they are no longer playing with the same desire,” Mashego said. “The pressure on Sundowns to win has just gone up. If they drop points and Pirates maintain the top position, the advantage will favour Pirates.” 

The tension follows a 0-0 draw against Richards Bay on April 26. Head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed frustration regarding the congested schedule ahead of tonight’s clash with Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium. 

“We have to think match after match,” Cardoso stated. “But it seems that we’re going to play somewhere… in some place in the countryside. They found a place to make this match. I don’t know even the name of it.” The match was originally scheduled for the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, but it had to be moved because that venue was booked for a COSATU May Day rally.

With Pirates refusing to blink, Sundowns must win tonight to avoid a historic title upset: Sundowns are pursuing their 9th consecutive title, and Pirates will be ending almost ten years of dominance.

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