Johannesburg – Fresh off their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal win, Mamelodi Sundowns still believe the league title is within their grasp ahead of their Premiership clash with Bloemfontein Celtic at Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville.
Going into the new week, Sundowns were 10 points behind the table-topping Kaizer Chiefs, but with a game in hand allowing the Brazilians the chance to keep the pressure on the Soweto giants.
Lively 20-year-old midfielder Percy Tau, who played a key role in Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in their cup match on Sunday, believed the league was still up for grabs.
“We can see we’re going to catch up now, we still want the league and we have the Nedbank in our hands,” said Tau.
Tau was given time to complete his studies last year, but now coach Pitso Mosimane has given the player better opportunities to showcase his abilities.
“Last year the coach gave me time to focus on my studies, now it’s all about football,” said Tau.
“The coach always wants us to work hard, and all we need to do is keep working hard and the rewards will come.”
Mosimane said his team had been producing performances in recent weeks which would make other teams take serious notice.
“We have been very dominant and offensive (in our last few games),” said Mosimane.
“When we are patient and playing a passing game, it’s no laugh.”
Also with a win against their Free State opposition, Sundowns would go six points ahead of third-placed Orlando Pirates. Nothing but Premiership top-honours, however, were on the radar for the outspoken Mosimane.
“The league (championship race) has a heart beat,” said Mosimane.
“I can feel that heart beat. It’s beating. We have to put ourselves in a situation where we don’t say we should have, we could have. We have to go all the way and we still believe.”
On Wednesday evening, there are eight other teams in action as AmaZulu welcome Polokwane City to Princess Magogo Stadium, SuperSport United travel to Royal Bafokeng Stadium to take on Platinum Stars and Black Aces are at home to Maritzburg United at Mbombela Stadium. In the final match on the night, Chippa United host Moroka Swallows at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. – ANA