Sundowns look to strengthen PSL title grip
After the relegation battle took centre stage over the weekend, focus now shifts to the Absa Premiership title race.
|||Johannesburg - After the relegation battle took centre stage over the weekend, focus shifts to the Absa Premiership title race in midweek as Mamelodi Sundowns look to consolidate their four-point lead at the summit.
The Brazilians have suffered two rare defeats in their last four games - stunned 3-1 in their previous league outing by Bloemfontein Celtic, before losing to AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in the CAF Champions League.
In between they did manage a win over Mbombela United in the Nedbank Cup and a draw with AC Leopards in Africa, but they will now be trying to rekindle the form from a few months earlier as they look to re-establish their domestic stronghold.
On Wednesday they travel to Limpopo to take on 13th-placed Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Mosimane has admitted that they have to look at rotating players as they play a second match of a hectic six-day schedule. The Chloorkop-based side are also due to play Jomo Cosmos at the weekend.
“At this moment it is not looking good because we have a few injuries but hopefully we can get a few guys back for the other games,” Mosimane said.
“You have to try and rotate the team. But then rotation of the team shouldn’t affect the balance and effectiveness of the team to give results because if it does then it is not good. If you can (rotate) and still win it is okay.”
Sundowns’ big title rivals, meanwhile, will travel to Olen Park to face second-bottom Cosmos at the same time on Wednesday evening. Victory is essential for the Students if they want to keep the pressure on at the summit.
In another all-important clash that affects the race for African football next season, Mpumalanga Black Aces will host Kaizer Chiefs at the Mbombela Stadium in the only game on Tuesday night.
Amakhosi are presently fourth, two points ahead of AmaZayoni in fifth.
“We are looking forward to the game,” said Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala. “We want to get back to winning ways.
“We always respect our opponents. They play good football and they have excellent ball players in their ranks. Collins Mbesuma is one of their players to watch while we don’t lose track on the rest of their team.”
Finally, Ajax Cape Town host Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium - the hosts are presently 10th, while the visitors sit third and nine points behind championship leaders Sundowns.
Midweek Fixtures
Tuesday (all games kick off at 7.30pm)
Black Aces v Kaizer Chiefs - Mbombela Stadium
Wednesday:
Ajax Cape Town v Platinum Stars - Cape Town Stadium
Jomo Cosmos v Bidvest Wits - Olen Park
Polokwane City v Mamelodi Sundowns - Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
African News Agency