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Pitso's party starts early

SCORING: Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane displays his PSL Coach of Q4 award at the PSL Offices in Johannesburg yesterday, while Teko Modise shows off the player's award. PSL CEO Brand de Villiers is in the middle Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
SCORING: Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane displays his PSL Coach of Q4 award at the PSL Offices in Johannesburg yesterday, while Teko Modise shows off the player's award. PSL CEO Brand de Villiers is in the middle Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane all but brought the champagne to yesterday's Q4 press conference.

Not only did he celebrate his award as coach of the final quarter, but Mosimane will clinch the championship should they beat SuperSport United tonight.

While practically dismissing his former club as stiff competition in the second-last match of their Absa Premiership title run-in, Mosimane warned against being lax.

The Brazilians, log leaders and five points clear at the top, only need three points from their remaining fixtures against Matsatsantsa and Maritzburg United on Saturday to be crowned champions.

"Let's enjoy the game. Just watch. I think this has been a remarkable season for this team, with goals coming from everywhere," Mosimane said.

"In two-and-a-half months, we cut down an 11-point gap [to Kaizer Chiefs], which was tough.

"We did, however, lose the two games we had in hand against Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates. But our train has been hot since. I don't know if anyone can stop us now.

"But football has humbled me in the past. My only championship medal came in 1987 when I played for Jomo Cosmos and we were chasing Chiefs, who I believe needed one point from three or four matches. They lost all their games. So, we will sweat for our victories," added the former Bafana Bafana mentor.

Although clearly in a jovial mood ahead of tonight's clash at Loftus, the coach did admit to being nervous. Should Sundowns beat Matsatsantsa, they will record their sixth title in the PSL era, but it will be their first piece of silverware since 2008.

Mosimane said it was comforting to face their cross-town rivals, who do not have much to play for except bragging rights and a top-eight finish. SuperSport are sixth in the standings.

The coach was flanked by midfielder Teko Modise, who was named the player of the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Sundowns have confirmed they will hand out free tickets to fans dressed in their regalia for tonight's Tshwane derby.

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