Sundowns get the break that could lead them to soccer glory

Sundowns could have been given the recipe for success to help them win the PSL title, the Nedbank Cup and to progress in the African Champions League.

Runaway league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping a “gift” 11-day break will give them the rest they need and the chance to build up their strength to go on to another season of soccer glory. Downs find themselves with almost two weeks off between matches in a stroke of good fortune just as they enter the final straight in the race for the Premier Soccer League title, Nedbank Cup success and a place in the African Champions League. “We are delighted,” assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who has been standing in as spokesman for suspended coach Pitso Mosimane, told TAB SPORTS NETWORK EXPRESS. “It could not have come at a better time and we are going to use the opportunity to recharge our batteries for the rest of the season.” A quirk in the fixtures means Sundowns do not play for a total of 11 days from last Friday’s win over Cape Town All Stars in the first round of the Nedbank Cup until they host fellow front-runners Free State Stars in the league next Wednesday, 21 February. Rest will be the priority, with players given time off but the club intends playing a low-key friendly behind closed doors on Friday just to keep everyone match sharp. Lying ahead for Sundowns are 10 more matches in the league where they have a five-point lead and will be looking to wrap up the title sooner rather than later. They are also chasing success in the Nedbank Cup and having got past the first round, now wait to find out who their second round opponents will be. But Sundowns’ big priority is to qualify for the group phase of the Champions League, which looks an easy task for a side of Sundowns’ pedigree. They have a bye in the first round and next month take on either Rayon Sports of Rwanda or Lydia Ludic Burundi Academic in the second round. Sundowns’ participation in the last two Champions League campaigns, including winning the trophy in 2016, has robbed them of their customary off-season break and the chance for proper pre-season preparations. They lost out on the Premier Soccer League title last season largely because of fatigue and injuries to key players picked up because of an extensive programme of matches, making this unusual break something of a godsend for coach Mosimane and his staff.