Ramahlwe Mphahlele reacts to Middendorp’s ‘negative mindset’ on Sundowns dominance

AmaZulu defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has reacted to Ernst Middendorp’s admission that Mamelodi Sundowns will be unstoppable again this season.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs defender says it’s too early to write off other clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership title race.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele believes this season could see Mamelodi Sundown’s stranglehold being halted if all the title contenders remain consistent.

A total of 16 games remain before the season ends, with the Tshwane giants boasting 34 points.

They have a seven-point cushion ahead of their close rivals, SuperSport United. Richards Bay are third on the log standings, followed by Kaizer Chiefs, who have so far picked 24 points.

CHIEFS CAN CHALLENGE SUNDOWNS

And Ramahlwe Mphahlele handpicks Kaizer Chiefs as one of the teams strong enough to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance.

The 32-year-old believes there is enough time for the top five challengers to overtake the Rulani Mokwena-coached side.

“Unfortunately, it’s a negative mindset for teams to say nobody is going to stop Sundowns,” he told Ukhozi FM. 

“Look, they are a good team, but they are beatable. It’s a competition, of course, they have all the players they need and the money to get whomever they want, but I still believe that the likes of Chiefs have good players to compete and win,” added Mphahlele.

Mphahlele, a former Sundowns captain, expressed disappointment in coaches who have already decided to throw in the towel.

He stated that clubs must avoid being cowed into submission by their competitors before the season ends.

“AmaZulu has players, Cape Town City too, Pirates as well have strong teams. We shouldn’t just bow down and say Sundowns is going to win all the games.

NEGATIVE MINDSET

“I have heard those remarks from the Swallows coach, but it’s his opinion; I can’t stop him from saying whatever he wants to say, although it is a negative mindset for me. You don’t say that as a competitor,” he added.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu are preparing to meet Royal AM on Sunday with confidence that they will bounce back to winning ways.

Their latest match against Sekhukune United ended in a goalless draw.

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