'Sundowns' dominance is making people angry'

To say a former Mamelodi Sundowns star is seething would be an understatement, as he lashed out on the fixture scheduling that has seen to it that the Tshwane giants finish their season two weeks in advance.

Sundowns sit top of the table, albeit precariously with Orlando Pirates hot on the heels and with the advantage of a game in hand. Miguel Cardoso’s men will wrap up their season against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, with Bucs only playing on Saturday against Durban City and then seven days later away to Orbit College FC.

Concerns have been raised about this messy situation.

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The Chloorkop-based side have amassed 68 points, three more than what Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have in the bag. Goal difference, though, favours the latter.

"Yes, the league is in the hands of Pirates, but why is Sundowns not given ample time to prepare for the CAF Champions League final?" quizzed Papi Mbele, the ex-Sundowns left-footer, speaking to KickOff.

"Whoever drafts the PSL fixture should think about Sundowns as they are no longer representing themselves but South Africa. Right now, Sundowns players are fatigued.

"We just played on 9 May, and on Tuesday we’re playing again, but we are expected to compete with Pirates. But right now Pirates is no longer competing with us; instead, we are competing against ourselves.

"Pirates are under pressure to take the league, and people in South are supporting Pirates to take the league. This wouldn't have been the case if it was not the dominance of eight years by Sundowns,” he adds, while also giving attention to the upcoming two-legged CAF Champions League final.

"The North Africans dominates the Champions League because they are supported by their leagues. Sundowns are playing on Tuesday, but we expect them to go and perform well against AS FAR on Sunday?

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"Under these conditions, it is possible we mightt lose these two cups. Until we develop common sense as South Africans, there is no way we will dominate the Champions League.

“Sundowns' dominance in South Africa is making people angry.

"Sundowns players are tired, and you cannot play good football if you are tired. So, Pirates will take the league. I have no doubt about that. Sundowns lost the league against Stellenbosch and Richards Bay."