Permutations aplenty in PSL
LOTS TO PLAY FOR: RUNNERS-UP PLACE UP FOR GRABS
League log-jam sets up many intriguing possibilities.
The chase for the Absa Premiership title is done and dusted, but there is still plenty to play for on the final day of a thrilling 2016/17 season. Mamelodi Sundowns are faced with the prospect of missing out on a place in the 2018 Caf Champions League, though they are still in pole position to finish as runners-up to champions Bidvest Wits. A win at relegation-threatened Highlands Park would be enough to take them into next year’s competition.
But if they don’t win in Tembisa and Eric Tinkler’s Cape Town City beat Polokwane City away, it is the season’s surprise package who will be in the Champions League, condemning Downs to a place in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Sundowns are carrying huge confidence from their emphatic 3-1 Champions League victory over AS Vita Club in Kinshasa on Wednesday, but Pitso Mosimane knows the significance that comes with producing a top-notch performance against Highlands.
“The game is very important if we want to play in the Champions League for the fourth time in a row. We don’t know what is going to happen to Cape Town City. The Champions League is key, it presents the opportunity to play in the Caf Super Cup and in the Fifa Club World Cup,” said Mosimane.
In mid-table, with just three points separating seventh-placed Maritzburg United from Platinum Stars in 10th, a spot in next season’s MTN8 is still up for grabs. A point should be enough for Maritzburg at home to Bloemfontein Celtic, while eighth-placed Ajax Cape Town can seal their place with a win at home to Baroka FC.
A defeat or draw for Stanley Menzo’s men, however, could open up an opportunity for Golden Arrows and Platinum Stars to sneak in. Stars are at SuperSport United, while Arrows host Pirates. Bucs’ chance of reaching the top eight is a long shot – they must beat Arrows, while Platinum Stars must fail to beat SuperSport and Ajax lose to Baroka. Even if that happens, Pirates must still somehow overtake Ajax on goal difference. Ajax’s current goal difference is -5 and Pirates’ is -10.