SoccerClub looks back at Mamelodi Sundowns’ form in the Absa Premiership since the restart as they enter the final four matches for the 2019-20 season.
The Brazilians will have a chance to go level on points with Kaizer Chiefs when the two sides meet at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday.
1) Sundowns, Pirates play out to a draw
Mamelodi Sundowns were frustrated by a resilient Orlando Pirates side in a PSL match which ended in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, 11 August.
This result had Pitso Mosimane’s side remaining in second place but they moved within three points of Kaizer Chiefs, while the Buccaneers climbed to third place.
2) Sundowns suffer another title blow after draw with Highlands
The Brazilians wasted a second chance in four days to move within one point of log leaders Amakhosi after they were held 1-1 by Highlands Park at the Dobsonville Stadium on 14 August.
This result had both sides sharing the spoils as Sundowns remained second and three points behind Chiefs.
3) Cape Town City dent Sundowns’ title hopes
The Tshwane giants’ dream of winning their third successive PSL title suffered a major setback after they were beaten 3-2 by Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 17 August.
Surprise Ralani bagged a brace with Kermit Erasmus also finding the net on the night to cancel out an own goal from Edmilson Dove and a goal from Keletso Makgalwa.
Sundowns then stayed second on the log despite the defeat, which means they have dropped seven of nine points available since the restart while City moved into seventh.
4) Sundowns stumble against Maritzburg United
A 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns failed to make a significant dent in the gap at the top of the PSL standings, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Maritzburg United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday, 21 August.
The defending league champions finished the game with ten men after Ricardo Nascimento was given his marching orders in the second half.
Sundowns were still searching for their first win in the PSL since the restart, but weren’t fortunate as it finished in a draw in Atterdigeville, leaving Chiefs with the chance to move eight points clear.
5) Sundowns pressure Kaizer Chiefs with last-gasp win over Golden Arrows
Sundowns claimed their first league win since the PSL restart, beating Golden Arrows 1-0 at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday, 24 August.
The nine-time champions left it until very late as they grabbed a vital win in their PSL title pursuit, with Themba Zwane scoring the goal to sink Golden Arrows.
The victory helped them close the gap to three points off Chiefs with three games remaining until the end of the season.
Take a look at Mamelodi Sundowns’ remaining fixtures for the 2019-20 season:
1) Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Date: 27 August
Time: 6pm
2) Mamelodi Sundowns vs Baroka
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Date: 30 August
Time: 6pm
3) Polokwane City vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Date: 2 September
Time: 6pm
4) Mamelodi Sundowns vs Black Leopards
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Date: 5 September
Time: 3:30pm
