Mamelodi Sundowns are having it way too easy in the DStv Premiership. Again. This should be good news and bad news for the neutrals.
It is very clear that, barring some drastic drop in form, Mamelodi Sundowns are cruising to a record-extending sixth DStv Premiership on the bounce.
SuperSport United came so close to matching the Tshwane rivals recently, while Kaizer Chiefs had their moments against them on 21 January 2023.
Matsatsantsa took the game to the league leaders and holders. Gavin Hunt’s men controlled the game. They pushed, but the lack of quality for SuperSport upfront proved decisive. The same happened to Chiefs, who could not convert the chances they created.
In both those games, Sundowns converted one of their many chances. In contrast, SuperSport and Chiefs fluffed their chances.
Neo Maema scored Sundowns’ lone goal in each of those two games. The lack of depth finally made the difference. A few weeks ago, Chippa United also showed little respect for the holders.
What Morgan Mammila needed to do
If coach Morgan Mammila’s outfit had the cutting edge and bundled one of those balls across the goal line, the story could have been different. It was no different. Sundowns got the business done. And with it, the points in the bag.
Masandawana lie 16 points clear from closer pursuers, Richards Bay. The dominance of Sundowns has become so routine that you can count the number of goals they have conceded in the 10 league games they have played under Rulani Mokwena.
Just one—in the 2-1 win over Chippa United. However, such a lack of strong opposition could work to Sundowns’ disadvantage in the forthcoming CAF Champions League group stages.
Rewind to the 2022 edition of the Champions League, and you have the sight of Sundowns frustrated by Petro de Luanda away and at home.
The Angolans played to their strength. They did not panic as most DStv Premiership opposition does. They were so disciplined.
Petro de Luanda’s resilience against Sundown
Petro de Luanda soaked up the pressure. They didn’t fear Peter Shalulile, Themba Zwane or Andile Jali. The Angolans don’t know these big names.
The Girabola champions allowed Sundowns to have the ball and seized their moments.
Eventually, the 2016 Champions League winners gave way to desperation. They got frustrated by such stubborn opposition and crashed out.
It was something the Tshwane side is not accustomed to on regular basis in Mzansi.
Like Paris Saint Germain, who stroll to French Ligue 1 titles year in, and year out without breaking a sweat, Sundowns might find transferring domestic form onto the continental stage a bridge too far.
Mokwena has tweaked Sundowns’ play a bit.
The champions no longer build from the back slowly and gradually work their way into games, as was the case under his predecessor.
Sundowns are quicker and slicker. But the terrain might not be the same playing in Group B of the continental league against Coton Sport of Cameroon, Al Ahly (Egypt) and Al Hilal (Sudan).
The tempo is never the same. Sundowns will meet technically better players. Top coaches with top tactics.
South Africa needs more teams of the calibre of Sundowns in the domestic league for the sake of competition.
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