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Mamelodi Sundowns are entering a week that will not only test their resolve but could define their season.
The Brazilians have two cup “finals” – the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup – within three days of each other. Still chasing a treble, they may end up with just one trophy left to play for (winning the league) by the end of the week.
They take on the Democratic Republic of Congo champions AS Vita in the second leg of their last-16 CAF Champions League tie on Wednesday night, knowing they have to overturn a 1-0 deficit to go through to the group stages.
The Brazilians might have disappointed last weekend when they let in a last-minute goal, but they will get another chance to restore their pride in front of their home supporters.
The Brazilians will welcome back Bangaly Soumahoro and Khama Billiat, who sat out the Kinshasha game due to suspensions.
Billiat, in particular, was clearly missed, as Sundowns failed to create too many scoring chances last weekend.
His presence should give Pitso Mosimane enough firepower upfront to trouble the visitors. His combination with Keagan Dolly and Leonardo Castro – the fabled CBD – has made Sundowns hot property in the domestic league. They have struggled in his absence. Billiat also missed the preliminary round against Chicken Inn, which the Zimbabweans won 1-0.
With their 1-0 lead, Vita are expected to be cautious in their approach, as they know Sundowns have to attack. They will try to catch the hosts on the counter.
The clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium comes just three days before Sundowns take on Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal on Saturday evening at the same venue.
This is once again make-or-break time for Pirates in their bid to salvage a disastrous campaign, as their season rests on this showdown.
After their poor form and performances, the former champions know this is their only chance to win silverware.
With the pedigree in the squad and its experience of winning trophies, it would be dangerous to write off the Buccaneers’ chances of beating Sundowns.
The Tshwane side, who are the Nedbank Cup defending champions, have already beaten Pirates twice this season and another defeat would not go down well with Bucs supporters.
Pirates have recovered from their early slump, with six victories in eight games since they last succumbed to Sundowns in February.
Zimbabwean striker Tendai Ndoro, who is proving a capable replacement for the departed Kermit Erasmus, has been in free-scoring form. He scored six goals in all competitions before yesterday’s game against Golden Arrows.
The Nedbank Cup is the only chance Pirates have of returning to continental football next year, and this alone should be motivation enough for them to avenge the two defeats to their Pretoria neighbours and book a place in the semifinals.
As for Sundowns, beating the central African side on Wednesday should be enough to spur them on against Pirates on Saturday – and a loss will probably only make them play harder against Bucs.
