A MAMELODI Sundowns team now free of all other competitions can throw themselves into the Absa Premiership, starting tonight against an under-strength Mpumalanga Black Aces at Loftus Versfeld.
Premiership leaders Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals by Saturday night's 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates at the same venue.
With a three-point lead over second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand, Downs can now throw everything into their remaining four PSL games.
Tonight they face an in-form Aces side, who will miss their three players on loan from Sundowns - defenders Abel Mabaso and Method Mwanjali, and star forward Themba Zwane - due to the contractual stipulation.
To make matters worse for Aces coach Clive Barker, two more key players, centre-back Mbulelo Mabizela and central midfielder Miquel Timm, are suspended.
This leaves Barker without the heart of his team. But the wily former Bafana Bafana coach, whose AmaZayoni side have lost only one of their past eight matches, has made a remarkable 30 signings this season.
He will look to the likes of Vincent Kobola and Ofentse Nato to step up in defence, and Onyekachi Okonkwo and Clifford Ngobeni to do the same in central midfield. Barker also recently had Mabhuti Khenyeza back from a six-match suspension, and the forward can make up for the loss of Zwane.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is wary of Aces, whose injury-time defeat of Chiefs at FNB Stadium last week boosted the Brazilians' title chances.
"This is a team that beat us in the first round," Mosimane said. "They are not fifth by mistake. They have the great knowledge of their coach.
"I think a big part of their secret is that they have players who were not wanted elsewhere. They have something to prove. And their on-loan players know if they don't do well this season, their clubs won't want them back."
The Brazilians, after seven wins in a row, have a real chance of ending a seven-year title drought.
Mosimane has key players suspended, too - the in-form Lebohang Mokoena and skilful midfielder Bongani Zungu. But the Brazilians have the best depth in the PSL, and Dove Wome and Elias Pelembe are able to step in with ease.
While Downs are free to concentrate on the PSL, Chiefs have the Nedbank and the CAF Confederation Cup to contend with.
l Other matches today will see basement side Lamontville Golden Arrows hosting Bloemfontein Celtic at King Zwelithini Stadium and Platinum Stars engaging AmaZulu at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Both matches start at 7.30pm.
Cup exit blessing in disguise for Downs
A MAMELODI Sundowns team now free of all other competitions can throw themselves into the Absa Premiership, starting tonight against an under-strength Mpumalanga Black Aces at Loftus Versfeld.
Premiership leaders Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals by Saturday night's 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates at the same venue.
With a three-point lead over second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand, Downs can now throw everything into their remaining four PSL games.
Tonight they face an in-form Aces side, who will miss their three players on loan from Sundowns - defenders Abel Mabaso and Method Mwanjali, and star forward Themba Zwane - due to the contractual stipulation.
To make matters worse for Aces coach Clive Barker, two more key players, centre-back Mbulelo Mabizela and central midfielder Miquel Timm, are suspended.
This leaves Barker without the heart of his team. But the wily former Bafana Bafana coach, whose AmaZayoni side have lost only one of their past eight matches, has made a remarkable 30 signings this season.
He will look to the likes of Vincent Kobola and Ofentse Nato to step up in defence, and Onyekachi Okonkwo and Clifford Ngobeni to do the same in central midfield. Barker also recently had Mabhuti Khenyeza back from a six-match suspension, and the forward can make up for the loss of Zwane.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is wary of Aces, whose injury-time defeat of Chiefs at FNB Stadium last week boosted the Brazilians' title chances.
"This is a team that beat us in the first round," Mosimane said. "They are not fifth by mistake. They have the great knowledge of their coach.
"I think a big part of their secret is that they have players who were not wanted elsewhere. They have something to prove. And their on-loan players know if they don't do well this season, their clubs won't want them back."
The Brazilians, after seven wins in a row, have a real chance of ending a seven-year title drought.
Mosimane has key players suspended, too - the in-form Lebohang Mokoena and skilful midfielder Bongani Zungu. But the Brazilians have the best depth in the PSL, and Dove Wome and Elias Pelembe are able to step in with ease.
While Downs are free to concentrate on the PSL, Chiefs have the Nedbank and the CAF Confederation Cup to contend with.
l Other matches today will see basement side Lamontville Golden Arrows hosting Bloemfontein Celtic at King Zwelithini Stadium and Platinum Stars engaging AmaZulu at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Both matches start at 7.30pm.
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