Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says in normal conditions he would back his side to claim the league title, but admits that the disruptions caused by Covid-19 have left him uncertain.

Sundowns were desperately trying to chase down log-leaders Kaizer Chiefs before the league was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

With leagues across Europe now back up and running, providing a blueprint for a South African restart, the Brazilians will be hoping to hit the ground running and claim a third successive PSL title.

However, they would need to chase down Chiefs to claim a record 11th PSL title – the Amakhosi are four points clear at the top, having played an extra game – and it would take some chasing.

Mosimane, though, believes that the abnormal environment created by the pandemic and the long lay-off has made it next to impossible to predict an outcome.

‘You see‚ when it is a normal environment‚ I always say we [Sundowns] can make it [win the league].

‘Even when we were 11 points behind Kaizer Chiefs in the first year we won the league. I still said we would make it and this was based on normal circumstance‚’ the irrepressible mentor said.

‘Even when we did not win the league‚ I said we would go and get it back [the following season] and this was based on normal circumstance.

‘But this time is the only time I can’t tell you [what is going to happen]‚ I must tell you the honest truth.

‘This Covid-19‚ ahhhhhhhhh, I don’t understand it and I don’t think there’s anybody who knows it.

‘Look at the symptoms‚ they appear to be going in this direction and then suddenly they change direction – we are all learning this thing and there is no expert.’

Mosimane pointed to the issues Spanish giants Barcelona have had since their restart, surrendering their top spot in La Liga.

‘I don’t how we [Sundowns] will be when we come back because I am looking at Barcelona‚ for an example‚ and before Covid-19 they were top of the log in Spain [and two points clear of Real Madrid] and doing very well‚’ he said.

‘And after [resuming play in Spain]‚ look at them [Barcelona are second and four points behind Real Madrid‚ who are now the leaders].

‘It has boiled down to the substitutions‚ the changing of the team‚ putting these players in‚ players are not ready‚ injuries‚ the inability to play the same players for successive games‚ five subs …

‘So this one [Absa Premiership race] is a difficult one‚ it is not a normal one.

‘The normal one I know what’s going to happen‚ but this one‚ I really can’t tell you how it’s going to pan out.

‘Look at Atletico Madrid. Before Covid-19 they were struggling and they were seventh‚ now suddenly they are third.’