PSL action once against took centre stage on the football scene this weekend. THABANG KGELEDI takes a look at what’s going right for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Trending up: Sundowns outclass the students
Gavin Hunt’s expresssion at the sound of the final whistle summed up the frustration of his team after their 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. Hunt’s team, like the many before, failed to bother the reigning champions of Africa. The Brazilians didn’t put six past Bidvest Wits like they managed against Orlando Pirates, but it was still a convincing win.
Ever the proud man, Hunt didn’t want to give the hosts too much credit when he said: ‘I didn’t think we deserved to lose …’ but he did concede a little bit when he said ‘you have to give credit to Sundowns‚ they deserved to score those two goals in the manner that they did.’
The race for the Premiership is hotting up, with three changes at the top of the table in the past week, but it is definitely Sundowns’ title to lose. Masandawana has the best squad, the best team, they are well-coached and they have the momentum. Can anyone stop them?
Trending down: New coach, same Pirates
It was always going to be a mammoth task for new coach Kjell Jonevret to turn the fortunes of Orlando Pirates around. Before Saturday’s game, the Sea Robbers were in relegation type form, they hadn’t won in 9 games in all competitions and supporters were more than a bit upset. The draw against Polokwane City took their winless streak to 10, but expecting the Swede to make an impact in only his first game in charge would have been asking too much.
The Buccaneers played a good game, but in truth the team from Limpopo deserved to win that match. The theme for Polokwane City matches goes a bit like this: Polokwane City create plenty of chances, Polokwane City fail to convert those chances, Polokwane City end up losing, drawing, or rarely, scraping through with a win.
Jonevret still has a lot of work to do with his defense, who leak goals quicker than helium from a balloon. Against Polokwane City, he started with the midfield duo of Abbubaker Mobara and Oupa Manyisa. The former is a good player ,but is no central midfielder, and the latter claims to be 28, but plays like someone twice that age. The former Viking FK coach needs to make changes and break the habit of complacency shown by the first team players.
This coming weekend sees Orlando Pirates take on their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby. In the past, the derby has been a dull affair, with both teams seemingly always playing for the draw. This weekend’s game could prove to be different. Chiefs are gunning for the title and realise this is the best time to play their foes. Pirates could see this as an opportunity to impress their frustrated supporters, as well as their new coach.
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