Downs’ treble hopes in doubt

ANOTHER Wednesday, another day without football. These are uncertain times for Mamelodi Sundowns whose aspirations of securing a domestic treble continue to be up in the air.

Today was supposed to be one of the sought-after dates in the calendar of the South African domestic football season as defending PSL champions Sundowns were set to host Kaizer Chiefs in a top-of-the-table clash at Loftus.

Granted both teams would have won their last league matches – had the coronavirus pandemic not brought the league to a halt since early last month – the Brazilians would of headed into the encounter second on the standings, merely a point behind leaders Chiefs.

While coach Pitso Mosimane is confident of Sundowns winning their remaining five games, Chiefs, on the other hand, were showing signs of cracks especially after losing to relegation threatened AmaZulu in their last league match before the national lockdown. Should the lockdown be extended, Sundowns’ chances of retaining the league title seem unclear – considering a number of factors will impact the completion of the season.

In some parts of the world there have been talks of cancelling the domestic season completely and crowning whichever team that leads the log as champions. So should a task team which has been appointed by the PSL also come to such a verdict, Amakhosi will be crowned champions for the first time in five seasons.

Granted all the teams will keep their positions on the log, Sundowns will still qualify for the Caf Champions League next season, as the runners-up, alongside Chiefs.

In the bigger scheme of things, this week also meant a great deal to Sundowns’ overall aspirations. Fresh from playing Chiefs, the Brazilians were scheduled to face Wits in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

For the Brazilians, sure, the ultimate target is to return to the Champions League next season, but winning the league and Nedbank Cup would complete a domestic treble after they already bagged the Telkom Knockout in December.