Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba has acknowledged the Brazilians are facing a difficult situation with a crammed fixture schedule, but says it is manageable.
The Tshwane giants are left with six Betway Premiership matches, five of which will be played inside 14 days. They also have the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR to focus on.
For a side that has missed out on the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup this season, they still have opportunities to end the season with a double.
Failure to win the two pieces of silverware would be catastrophic for the Brazilians. They are second on the Betway Premiership standings with a point fewer than leaders Orlando Pirates. A game in hand over the Buccaneers hands Sundowns good chances of winning a ninth successive league title.
Their Champions League opponents, AS FAR, are in the final for the first time, and Masandawana would be out to avoid a repeat of last season, when they were beaten by defending champions Pyramids FC in the decider.
Facing a stern test of character in which they have to defy the tight fixture schedule, coach Miguel Cardoso and his men cannot afford to end the season empty-handed. They now prepare to face Richards Bay FC at uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday.
They will be up against the Natal Rich Boyz, whose home record includes a recent 2-2 draw with Orlando Pirates and a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in early March.
NO HIDING PLACE FOR SUNDOWNS IN PSL TITLE RACE AND CAFCL
“I believe that type of situation [congested fixtures] is challenging for any club. You can’t play a game every three days. But if you take into consideration that Sundowns have depth, especially when it comes to the league, they can still manage and win the league with that schedule,” Feutmba told FARPost.
“So, the coach has no excuses in this case. When you look at the starting XI of Sundowns, then those sitting on the bench and those on the stands, they have depth and can win any match. It’s just for the technical team to manage the situation well.
“There are those players who are not regulars who can come in and still help them win the league. You can rest some and come to the Champions League final 100 per cent ready and fit.
“It’s not easy, it’s difficult, but can be managed. The Champions League is demanding; you need to give a lot in terms of energy. Their opponents are also strong, and you don’t have to underrate them.
“Sundowns can win the Champions League; they just have to remain focused on the target. Cardoso has everything to win it. Winning it is something big for him and the players’ careers.”
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