Mamelodi Sundowns head to Mbombela to face TS Galaxy with a ninth consecutive title in their sights. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns have one final opportunity to make a decisive statement in the Betway Premiership title race when they travel to face TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The defending champions head into the final game of their league campaign carrying enormous pressure knowing victory could place one hand firmly on a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.
Sundowns currently hold a three-point advantage at the top of the standings and can stretch that lead to six points with a win before second-placed Orlando Pirates play their remaining fixtures. However, goal difference continues to cast a huge shadow over the title race.
Pirates currently possess a seven-goal advantage and appear to hold a favourable run-in on paper with fixtures against Durban City FC and Orbit College still to come. That means Sundowns may not only need victory in Mbombela — but potentially another emphatic performance as well.
Miguel Cardoso’s side arrive in Mpumalanga fresh from one of the wildest matches in PSL history after defeating Siwelele FC 7-4 in a chaotic encounter at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday. While the attacking display strengthened their position at the summit, the defensive vulnerability shown throughout the contest also raised concerns heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Cardoso himself admitted afterward that conceding four goals was not acceptable by the standards Sundowns have built over recent seasons, especially with the pressure of both the title race and the CAF Champions League final approaching simultaneously.
The Portuguese coach will also continue sweating over the condition of several defensive players, with injuries and suspensions beginning to test squad depth during the busiest period of the campaign. The pressure surrounding this fixture is heightened further by the significance of the occasion.
This effectively represents the final major hurdle for Sundowns before attention shifts fully toward the CAF Champions League final later this month.
For Galaxy, however, the season has gradually faded away. The Rockets sit 12th on the table with 28 points and arrive in poor form after failing to win any of their last 13 league matches.
Despite that inconsistency, Galaxy have previously shown an ability to frustrate Sundowns. Earlier this year they knocked the Brazilians out of the Nedbank Cup, proving they are capable of competing with the league leaders on their day.
The reverse league fixture earlier this season ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Sundowns courtesy of an Arthur Sales goal after good work from Iqraam Rayners.
Historically, Sundowns have largely dominated this fixture since Galaxy’s promotion to the top flight, winning the majority of meetings between the two clubs. But with the title race now balanced on the finest margins imaginable, history may matter very little on Tuesday night.
For Sundowns, only victory will truly keep their destiny under control.