Sundowns and the PSL: a study in contrasts

MAMELODI Sundowns confirmed their place as the undisputed kings of South African football by lifting a record ninth league title in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era on Saturday.

This title means more to coach Pitso Mosimane than the other three league titles, because they did it after playing two CAF Champions League campaigns in one season.

The travelling and physical toll one continental campaign takes on a team is immense, which is why SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates dipped out after going all the way to the final.

But the Brazilians are cut from a different cloth. They have remained competitive despite not having a break in the last four years.

The fact that Sundowns have finished either first or second under Mosimane speaks highly of his tactical acumen and his contribution to the side.

The only downside to this finale was that it was overshadowed by the Wayne Arendse matter.

It’s worrying that for a second season in a row the PSL has failed to promptly act on a disciplinary matter that has had far-reaching consequences.

Last season it was the Tendai Ndoro matter, and this season it’s the Arendse saga that hasn’t ended as the PSL is appealing its own DC’s verdict.

This should serve as a lesson for the PSL because the handling of these matters has tarnished its image.

The biggest problem is not even the handling of these matters, but how poorly the League was in communicating developments of the cases. They both have been shrouded in secrecy, which has led to people imputing sinister motives.

The PSL must not only deal with such matters promptly, but they also must be transparent and communicate with the general public so that the most important stakeholders in the game (the fans) are kept in the loop.

They haven’t even confirmed, officially, that they are appealing the Arendse ruling, despite filing papers and calling for an urgent arbitration.

But this should also serve as a lesson to Sundowns. The Brazilians have scored a number of own goals in the past couple of seasons.

There was the error in the Keagan Dolly contract, and accepting Alje Schut’s card with the wrong year.

These administrative blunders are a huge contrast to the all-conquering machine Sundowns are on the field.