Sundowns could come unstuck against tricky Stars side

ON this day last year, Mamelodi Sundowns, with two matches to spare, were crowned Absa Premiership champions. They were simply unmatched then – the runners up, Bidvest Wits, barely putting up a fight as they finished their season trailing the title holders by an unbelievable 14 points.

The narrative has changed somewhat this year. Sundowns are still very much in the running to retain their trophy, but, with five matches remaining, it is Wits who are top of the log after beating the Brazilians on Monday. And Cape Town City, in third, are waiting for any slip-ups from the top two.

Sundowns look to bounce back tonight when they host Platinum Stars at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, while Wits welcome Orlando Pirates, who will take on the Brazilians three days later in Soweto. Throughout most of the previous season, Sundowns always looked to be in cruise control, and that they were confirmed champions with a record 71 points (in a 16-team league campaign) spoke to their dominance. This year, their fate is currently not in their hands.

Although coach Pitso Mosimane accepts that, several observers still feel Sundowns are favourites even with the league set for a tight three-way finish.

“We have to try and win aganst Platium Stars,” said Mosimane. “What has happened now is just an exchange of leadership at the top, I think. You have to accept it. It was in Cape Town City’s hands, then our hands, now Wits’. It’s exchanging. But that it what happens at the end.”

Mosimane’s men laboured to a 2-1 victory over Dikwena the last time the two sides met, in February. While the Brazilians have continued to grind out results, recovering ever so breathtakingly from a recent five-game winless streak in all competitions to enjoy a six-match unbeaten run, Dikwena have been suffering in silence. Their coach Cavin Johnson admitted on Sunday following yet another defeat, this time to Ajax Cape Town, that they were bracing themselves for the relegation scrap. The loss away in the Mother City meant Dikwena have only managed a single victory in their previous six league games.

It’s unlikely they will shock Sundowns, but they have been known to up their game against title-chasers, having been in the championship race in past seasons and reaching third place twelve months ago.

What a difference a year makes – a true statement for both Sundowns and Dikwena in this context.