Mamelodi Sundowns had it all going for them, a healthy lead at the top of the log table and they were playing some good football. Even in matches where they didn’t play well they managed to get the desired results. It is said that champions are made of such qualities. But as things stand at the moment, it seems as if the wheels are falling off at Downs. Two disappointing defeats against struggling Amazulu and red-hot Kaizer Chiefs means that Sundowns will have to improve rapidly if they entertain any hopes of staying at the top of the table.
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town are making sure that the Brazilians’ stay at the top of the log is an uncomfortable one. A defeat for Sundowns will mean they lose the number-one position and that will be a crisis for them. What makes things even more exciting is the fact that the top four teams are all separated by one point from each other, it’s bumper-to-bumper kind of stuff and all four teams will be on their toes.
At the moment, Kaizer Chiefs are a better team compared to the other contenders, they are on form and their top players are performing well. The likes of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Itumeleng Khune, Musona and Reneilwe Letsholonyane are delivering the goods and it’s good for the team. If Amakhosi can maintain consistency, they might move to the top if you consider the state Sundowns are in at present, it will be hard to displace them once they occupy the number-one spot.
Orlando Pirates are another team that is putting on a strong challenge for the top spot. The Bucs are doing well and their form is also positive, unfortunately Pirates are not consistent as we have witnessed in the past few seasons. They will have to try and keep their current form if they are serious about winning the title this season. They have the players who are capable of doing the business for them and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the next few games to come.
The dark horses are the urban warriors, they are also in good form and they are capable of surprising a lot of people, having said that, the quality of their squad will be put to the test when the going gets tough. Compared to the top three teams, the Ajax team has less quality but football is unpredictable and anything is possible.
This is one exciting season. The next five games will be crucial for both title contenders and relegation threatened teams, boys will be separated from men and we will be watching with great anticipation.
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