Why Sundowns can’t go big in Bloem

Uefa Champions League 2nd leg semifinals result Liverpool 2 v Roma 4

MAMELODI Sundowns might have to field a second-string team in Bloemfontein to celebrate lifting the Absa Premiership trophy after their final fixture against Bloemfontein Celtic‚ coach Pitso Mosimane has said.

Mosimane bemoaned the scheduling of a Caf Champions League Group C match against Horoya in Conakry‚ Guinea, on Tuesday‚ May 15‚ just four days after Downs meet Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday‚ May 12. He said he might have to send a full-strength side to Guinea on the Friday‚ meaning the PSL trophy would be lifted by fringe players in Bloemfontein.

“After that Bloemfontein game‚ on Tuesday we are in Guinea. So how are we going to deal with that?” the coach asked.

“So‚ are we going to compromise our Champions League position because of that? I’m not sure about that.

“We’ll see. Probably I will have to make sure that I look after Mamelodi Sundowns’ Champions League space.”

It is difficult to see what the PSL might have done. The league’s final round of matches is scheduled at the same kickoff time‚ on the same day‚ on May 12.

Some flexibility from Caf might have helped Sundowns‚ though. A charter flight out of Bloemfontein could also resolve the situation.

Sundowns travel straight from Guinea to Togo to meet AS Togo-Port on Thursday‚ May 17.

They start their Champions League group stage against holders Wydad Casablanca at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. – TimesLIVE