Johannesburg – With entry into next season’s Caf champions league on the line for finishing in second place in the Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will battle it out to claim the runner’s up spot in the league.
The Brazilians on 51 points in second, are three ahead of the third-placed Buccaneers with just the Wednesday and Saturday fixtures left to wrap up league proceedings for this season.
Sundowns, in particular, made up their game in hand they had over Pirates with a win against Platinum Stars away from home on Sunday to wrestle the advantage.
“It was very important for us to get the three points against Platinum Stars away from home. We normally win there,” said coach Pitso Mosimane heading into Wednesday’s clash with SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The title ambitions of Sundowns were effectively ended with a crushing 5-0 defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic in the middle of April.
That result would have come as a blow for the defending champions, and Mosimane said his side had not fully recovered from that humbling result just yet.
“We are not yet back, the confidence is not yet strong. It’s about grinding things out now and getting back second position.”
Ultimately, two wins in their final two fixtures would secure the second place finish for Sundowns and would be the only goal left in the league for Mosimane’s side.
“We played very well against Vasco and we won. We played very well against the champions and we lost. Against Stars we didn’t play very well and we won.
“We will consolidate again next season. We are trying to wrap up things.”
Pirates, meanwhile, face Maritzburg United away at Harry Gwala Stadium fresh off their 5-2 aggregate win over Mounana FC in their CAF Confederations Cup match on the weekend.
Champions Chiefs host Wits at FNB Stadium. Wits at fourth place on the log with 46 points could slip ahead of Pirates if results go their way.
In other games on the evening, University of Pretoria host bottom of the table AmaZulu at Tuks stadium. Ajax Cape Town host relegation-threatened Moroka Swallows at Athlone Stadium, Platinum Stars take on Polokwane City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Bloem Celtic are at home against Free State Stars at Free State Stadium and Black Aces welcome Chippa United at Mbombela Stadium. – ANA