Shoddy finishing at root of log-leading Chiefs’ slump, so Sundowns aim to maintain pressure

KAIZER CHIEFS have hit a wobble and the chasing pack now has renewed hope that they can reel in the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) pacesetters.

The popular Soweto club was running away with things about a month ago. Now, after a few disappointing results, including Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United, Amakhosi’s lead at the summit has been slashed to just eight points.

Mamelodi Sundowns have certainly taken advantage of Chiefs’ slump.

The Pretoria club’s 5-0 hammering of Polokwane City on Wednesday took them to second place on 43 points. Chiefs have 51, with Wits and Orlando Pirates on 40 points, and Ajax Cape Town in fifth on 34 points.

The Cape side had to come from behind on Wednesday to register a rather fortunate 2-1 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces at the Cape Town Stadium.

Sundowns, though, have been here before. Last season, they were 11 points behind Chiefs at one stage, but they rallied and went on to pip the Soweto side and win the PSL title.

It looks like it could be a case of déjà vu for Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

“We know the story, we’ve been here before,” said Mosimane. “But it’s still a game at a time. Chiefs have the advantage, they are eight points ahead and can afford to lose another game and still smile. We’ll just keen going…”

Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter bemoaned his team’s finishing in front of goal.

“I think in the opening half hour against Maritzburg we played some of our best football this year, but we couldn’t turn that superiority into goals,” said Baxter. “Some players are struggling with confidence, some with fitness and others with fatigue. But we’ll have to get back on track…”

It certainly looks like the title race is far from over. While it may have looked like a one-horse race a few weeks ago – with Chiefs coasting to the championship – Sundowns’ current form, and the Soweto club’s mini-implosion, means that we could be in for a tight, tense finish to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Ajax coach Roger de Sa, despite is side’s win, wasn’t all that satisfied with his team’s performance. The Capetonians went behind to Aces and were then fortunate to get a penalty and an own goal to take the three points on offer.

“Perhaps last week’s travel (Ajax were awayfor six days for fixtures against Chiefs in Joburg and SuperSport United in Polokwane) had an effect,” said De Sa. “The players looked jaded and lethargic, and not as fluent as we usually are when playing at home.

“Also, Aces’ two big forwards – Collins Mbesuma and Dino Ndlovu – gave us problems as they are very physical, and it’s something our two young central defenders always battle to cope with.

“But we changed things in the second half. We pressurised them more high up, and prevented them from coming out and getting the ball to their strikers. It seemed to work and we were able to attack more, and get the result.”