/ 21 February 2007

Torrealba back to torment Celtic

As if defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have not posed sufficient problems for their opponents of late, up pops the player the Brazilians call ''El Buddah'' to further torment Bloemfontein Celtic at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

As if defending Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns have not posed sufficient problems for their opponents of late, up pops the player the Brazilians call ”El Buddah” to further torment Bloemfontein Celtic at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Calculating sharp-shooter Jose Torrealba, a key influence in Sundowns’ scheme of operations, has completed a two-game suspension resulting from his red-carding against Kaizer Chiefs and is back in the squad for the game at the fiercely partisan Free State soccer cauldron.

And with coach Gordon Igesund unable to find anyone capable of adequately filling the cultured boots of the nuggety Venezuelan international, Torrealba seems certain to resume where he left off before his enforced absence.

While there has been much talk of late about the intensive struggle for the PSL title among nine, 10 or even 11 pretenders to the crown, Sundowns have clinically worked their way into a position where the retention of their title is on the verge of becoming a one-horse race.

And, in this respect, the game at Seisa Ramabodu looms of some considerable significance, particularly as Celtic, on their home turf, are considered as formidable opposition as Sundowns might encounter in the PSL at this moment.

Victory for the Brazilians, however, would have the Fat Lady exercising her vocal chords in preparation for proclaiming Sundowns champions once again in view of their dominant position on the log.

Yet a defeat for the current title holders could give other challengers a slim chance of turning the tables after what would be an astonishing change in fortunes.

Log leaders Sundowns are potentially 10 or more points better off than any of their rivals considering the number of games they have in hand, but Igesund has been quick to emphasise that winning — like losing — tends to be habit-forming in any torrid sporting amphitheatre and a lessening of effort could prove doubly costly.

And, if anyone has any doubts as to the authenticity of this prognosis, ask the struggling Australian cricketers for confirmation.

Also on Wednesday, Orlando Pirates will be attempting to restore their revival, following last week’s defeat against Sundowns, when they play relegation-threatened Maritzburg United at Ellis Park in a night fixture.

And this is a game in which the Buccaneers cannot afford to drop points of any kind if they are to cement a place among the top eight teams in the log. — Sapa