Sundowns’ congested fixture needs rejig
PITSO Mosimane has made the bold prediction that his side will reach the CAF Champions League final, but it will take some serious effort because a punishing schedule lies ahead for Mamelodi Sundowns in the coming weeks.
Sundowns’ MTN8 second leg clash against Chippa United, to be played on either September 17 or 18, is certain to be rescheduled by the Premier Soccer League, as it falls on the same weekend as their first leg CAF Champions League semifinal against Zesco United, taking place in Zambia.
Another match that looks set to be rescheduled is Sundowns’ league match with Chippa United on September 25, which falls on the same weekend they host Zesco for the return leg.
Mosimane could put in a request to have their Absa Premiership clash with Maritzburg United, which is meant to be played on September 14, rescheduled.
“[The PSL] has put games in between Champions League matches and it’s not good. We hope the league will remove them so we can represent the country and have a fit team in the final,” said Mosimane, who is likely to have Leonardo Castro out with an injury for about a month.
Castro limped off injured in Sunday’s MTN8 Tshwane Derby against SuperSport United.
“It’s a big problem [to lose Castro]. I hope he comes back for the final – I believe we will go to the final.
“The Maritzburg and the Chippa fixtures are a thorn in the flesh.
“We are playing two semifinals and there’re internationals in between. It’s unbelievable. Keagan Dolly broke down because he was overloaded with three games in 10 days in Rio. Now we don’t have a player anymore and I have also lost Leo Castro. Asavela Mbekile has a dislocated shoulder and Sugar Tiyani Mabunda has an ankle problem. So I am pleading with the PSL to play the semifinal proper. I hope to be lucky,” pleaded Mosimane. Mosimane described Chippa coach Dan “Dance” Malesela as a “new sensation” after Sundowns were drawn to play the Eastern Cape-based club in the semifinals of the MTN8. “Dance is unbelievable. He is a new sensation and he brings something to the game,” said Mosimane. “I saw Chippa playing people off the park. I have never seen anyone outplay Platinum Stars.”