Mamelodi Sundowns have started their 2010/11 Absa Premiership season like a house on fire, taking all nine points from their first three games. They are second on the log behind Ajax Cape Town, who have a better goal difference.
Coach Antonio Lopez-Habas must be a happy man, so far it looks like he is on the right track to fulfilling his mandate of winning the league. It’s still early days though and the league title is only won after 30 games. On Saturday night, against SuperSport United, the Brazilians didn’t play well at all and Matsatsantsa a Pitori won the Tshwane derby as they dominated the proceedings. It must be said that Sundowns showed great fighting spirit and resilience to come back and snatch the game away from the defending champions in the dying minutes.
It is that kind of spirit that Sundowns will need throughout the season it they are serious about winning the league title. Sundowns’ advantage is the depth and quality they possess, it will be their strong point when the inevitable stuff like injuries and loss of form strikes. It was substitutes Mabhudi Khanyeza and Papi Zothwane who came in late to win the game for Sundowns, it shows that they have good players and can replace quality with quality.
The element of luck is also very crucial. Any championship-winning team would testify to that. On Saturday luck was on Sundowns’ side and they will hope that lady luck will keep on smiling on them all the way.
Talking of lady luck, a team that needs her is Orlando Pirates. Their start to the season has left a lot to be desired. With the quality in their team, Pirates should be winning games and scoring goals almost at will.
The Bucs are one of the favourites to win the league, they have signed good players and their coach is in his third season, which is a plus. Their downfall last season was their shyness in front of goal and it is creeping back again this season. They need to sort it out as soon as possible or they will be in for yet another nightmare of a season.
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