Pitso Mosimane has termed it "against all odds", but Mamelodi Sundowns' destiny could be determined by how they perform in key second-leg semifinals in a space of three days this week.
First, they face Chippa United in the MTN8 tomorrow in Atteridgeville, where a win would book them a place in the October 1 final, and then take on Zesco United in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
Victory in both matches would secure a place in two finals taking place two weeks apart, with the first leg of the Champions League final set for October 14-16.
But defeat could mean Sundowns' season unravels. They are somewhat on the backfoot as they head into the both semis, with a goal for Chippa tomorrow meaning the Brazilians must score more than once to advance.
It makes it tricky for Mosimane, pictured, as he can't approach this match with a lightweight lineup similar to the one he fielded against Maritzburg United last week.
He will have to find balance, while also risking injuries ahead of the epic return league against Zesco, also scheduled for Lucas Moripe Stadium.
That match also carries several risks for the Brazilians.
Not only do they have to win, but four of their players could miss the first leg of the final through suspension. Siyanda Zwane, Tebogo Langerman, Wayne Arendse and key man Khama Billiat all received yellow cards in the 2-1 first-leg loss against Zesco, meaning a further booking on Saturday would trigger an automatic one-match ban.
The odds indeed seem stacked against Sundowns but Mosimane has backed his team to triumph regardless. "We call it 'against all odds' for a reason," he said at the weekend, when a Zambia journalist asked him about a tough schedule. "This is a one-time opportunity for us in the Champions League. There's no use for us to complain. Zesco have been well-rested, playing one game every seven days. They have travelled nowhere. It's a little bit unfair, but we fight, we have the heart - against all odds."
If ever there's a time for Downs to prove they have it in them to triumph against the odds, it's this week.
Defining week for Mosimane
Pitso Mosimane has termed it "against all odds", but Mamelodi Sundowns' destiny could be determined by how they perform in key second-leg semifinals in a space of three days this week.
First, they face Chippa United in the MTN8 tomorrow in Atteridgeville, where a win would book them a place in the October 1 final, and then take on Zesco United in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
Victory in both matches would secure a place in two finals taking place two weeks apart, with the first leg of the Champions League final set for October 14-16.
But defeat could mean Sundowns' season unravels. They are somewhat on the backfoot as they head into the both semis, with a goal for Chippa tomorrow meaning the Brazilians must score more than once to advance.
It makes it tricky for Mosimane, pictured, as he can't approach this match with a lightweight lineup similar to the one he fielded against Maritzburg United last week.
He will have to find balance, while also risking injuries ahead of the epic return league against Zesco, also scheduled for Lucas Moripe Stadium.
That match also carries several risks for the Brazilians.
Not only do they have to win, but four of their players could miss the first leg of the final through suspension. Siyanda Zwane, Tebogo Langerman, Wayne Arendse and key man Khama Billiat all received yellow cards in the 2-1 first-leg loss against Zesco, meaning a further booking on Saturday would trigger an automatic one-match ban.
The odds indeed seem stacked against Sundowns but Mosimane has backed his team to triumph regardless. "We call it 'against all odds' for a reason," he said at the weekend, when a Zambia journalist asked him about a tough schedule. "This is a one-time opportunity for us in the Champions League. There's no use for us to complain. Zesco have been well-rested, playing one game every seven days. They have travelled nowhere. It's a little bit unfair, but we fight, we have the heart - against all odds."
If ever there's a time for Downs to prove they have it in them to triumph against the odds, it's this week.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos