A month that began with a promise of log domination and a semifinal place in the Coca-Cola Cup for Sundowns ends with neither. A loss to Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League and defeat by Wits in the quarterfinal of the Coke Cup has left Sundowns’s pride battered. Coach Paul Dolezar has had to get police protection and owner Patrice Motsepe is throwing his hands in the air in disgust.
Saturday’s game against Chiefs could seal the fate of players and coach in the Sundowns camp. One thing the Pretoria side should realise is that in time they will be able to buy success, but for the moment it comes at a high price.
Chiefs should be wary of a backlash at Soccer City. Amakhosi’s 4-0 drubbing of hopeless Dynamos in the Coke Cup did not suggest a full recovery from their previous three league flops. Chiefs should try to capitalise on Sundowns’ battered confidence. There is no doubt that Downs are going through a crisis, despite the great list of players they have.
The defence is the weakest link, letting in easy goals. Captain and goalkeeper Brian Baloyi will need to have strong words with his defenders to try to stop the rot.
Dolezar will also need to look at the midfield, which at times lacks creativity going forward and is unwilling to help its defence during a counter-attack. Clement Mazibuko has been a marked man lately and other players need to come to his rescue. Upfront Sundowns continue to pin their hopes on Rotson Kilambe in the absence of Peter Ndlovu, with Raphael Chukwu a shadow of his former greatness.
The sky used to be the limit for Sundowns, but lately they seem to be in permanent eclipse.
The middle of the field is where the battle will be won or lost with Chiefs depending on Tenashe Nengomashe, Arthur Zwane, John Moshoeu and Scara Ngobese.
Whichever way the result goes, it will have a profound effect on future fortunes. A Sundowns win by three goals or more would propel them to the summit of the league table, even if it’s just for a few hours — or days, if Silver Stars manage to do the unthinkable by beating Orlando Pirates on Sunday.
A Chiefs win will allow them to fight on two fronts — one for the Coke Cup, and the other defending their league title. A loss would seriously damage the latter hope.