Mamelodi Sundowns striker Arthur Sales.
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns are eager to make up for lost ground and retake control of their Betway Premiership title charge by bagging all three points against Richards Bayat uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon (5.30pm kick-off).
Sundowns endured a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch in their last league clash at home, Loftus Versfeld, during midweek action. This result left them second on the log with 57 points, one behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played a game more.
With six games remaining in their league campaign, Sundowns cannot afford to drop more points if they are to secure a record-extending ninth Premiership title in a row, and the second successive title under coach Miguel Cardoso.
The Portuguese coach was livid after the draw with Stellies, storming off his post-match media duties on television. He lamented that his troops had ample chances to kill off the game and completely manage it before Khulumani Ndamane conceded a penalty in the dying moments for the visitors..
Sundowns are accustomed to the pressure of the season's crunch time. They are widely expected to defeat Richards Bay away, which is why attacker Arthur Sales insists that the draw with Stellies served as a wake-up call.
“We feel bad about the draw. But I think it’s the right step for improvement. It will push us to do better,” Sales said.
Sales is not naive, though, acknowledging that Richards Bay will not be push-overs. The Natal Rich Boyz have recently made their home ground a fortress, making it difficult for any visiting team to leave with three points.
Their notable strides include beating Kaizer Chiefs and holding Pirates to a recent draw. Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was highly impressed by the team, openly revealing that he hopes they do his side a favour against Sundowns.
Sales agreed with Ouaddou, acknowledging the game won’t be easy, which is why Sundowns need to be at their best from start to finish.
“I think it will be a tough game, playing that side. But I think we need to show something to our fans, how we answer to them,” he said.
Sundowns’ match against Richards Bay will follow the Soweto derby clash between Pirates and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, which will be headlining the day’s fixtures at an earlier kick-off (3pm) at FNB Stadium.
The result of the derby will go a long way in shaping the title race, especially since Sundowns are still scheduled to face Kaizer Chiefs in their own league fixture next week.
Sales remains focused on Sundowns, not other teams. Given that their clash is also sold-out, with Masandawana expected to dominate in the stands, the towering attacker wants the team to live up to expectations.
“I think it will be nice to play in front of a full crowd because it shows that everyone believes in us,” Sales said. “So we need to give a good answer and show a 100% effort in the game, and try to win three points.”