The reality of surrendering the Absa Premiership title is slowly sinking in for Mamelodi Sundowns, by their own admission.
But the Brazilians' despondent mood will not necessarily give Bloemfontein Celtic a leg-up when the two sides meet at Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
Despite goalkeeper Denis Onyango conceding that the championship race was all but over, there's still much at stake for the PSL titleholders.
The Nedbank Cup remains within their grasp following Sundowns' progress to the semifinals at the weekend.
Sundowns drew 1-1 against Mpumalanga Black Aces in the league last week in Nelspruit and needing to quickly pick up the pieces - as it became evident that their title hopes had faded - to face the same team at the same venue four days later in a cup quarterfinal.
It is that display in the 2-0 win against Aces that the Brazilians should maintain to consolidate their log position and book a CAF Champions League spot, said Onyango.
"In every game we give our best. Obviously the desire was there to win against Aces because the cup is much more in our hands than the league title," the Ugandan explained.
"It is that same desire that will get us through against Celtic. We know their qualities. They are a very good side that comes out quick and has much to play for."
Celtic, who are fifth on the log, have been climbing up the table since Clinton Larsen returned for a second stint as coach in December and often run Sundowns close.
In the corresponding fixture in September under then coach Ernst Middendorp, the Brazilians fought hard to narrowly win 1-0 at Free State Stadium.
Onyango has not completely given up on catching Amakhosi with six matches to go, especially with a potential title decider between the two scheduled for April 29.
"We are still fighting for the league. We still want to push Chiefs until the last game of the season," the keeper said.
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Sundowns not ready to give up
The reality of surrendering the Absa Premiership title is slowly sinking in for Mamelodi Sundowns, by their own admission.
But the Brazilians' despondent mood will not necessarily give Bloemfontein Celtic a leg-up when the two sides meet at Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
Despite goalkeeper Denis Onyango conceding that the championship race was all but over, there's still much at stake for the PSL titleholders.
The Nedbank Cup remains within their grasp following Sundowns' progress to the semifinals at the weekend.
Sundowns drew 1-1 against Mpumalanga Black Aces in the league last week in Nelspruit and needing to quickly pick up the pieces - as it became evident that their title hopes had faded - to face the same team at the same venue four days later in a cup quarterfinal.
It is that display in the 2-0 win against Aces that the Brazilians should maintain to consolidate their log position and book a CAF Champions League spot, said Onyango.
"In every game we give our best. Obviously the desire was there to win against Aces because the cup is much more in our hands than the league title," the Ugandan explained.
"It is that same desire that will get us through against Celtic. We know their qualities. They are a very good side that comes out quick and has much to play for."
Celtic, who are fifth on the log, have been climbing up the table since Clinton Larsen returned for a second stint as coach in December and often run Sundowns close.
In the corresponding fixture in September under then coach Ernst Middendorp, the Brazilians fought hard to narrowly win 1-0 at Free State Stadium.
Onyango has not completely given up on catching Amakhosi with six matches to go, especially with a potential title decider between the two scheduled for April 29.
"We are still fighting for the league. We still want to push Chiefs until the last game of the season," the keeper said.
lSee page 23
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