Bafana Bafana icon Doctor Khumalo has lambasted Mamelodi Sundowns’ rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the battle for the Betway Premiership title.
The two Soweto giants have closed in on Sundowns this season, with the defending champions having blown hot and cold under coach Miguel Cardoso, who has faced heavy scrutiny.
Masandawana are placed second in the league standings – three points behind leaders, Pirates and two above third-placed Chiefs, and Khumalo has shared his thoughts on the title race.
“It’s okay to pose it that fashion [teams must take advantage of Sundowns’ situation], but I would want to see any team in the PSL to challenge Sundowns without problems,” Khumalo told reporters.
“Why do you have to wait for them to be crippled and then you take advantage of that when they are not at their best and you want to say you are the best?
Sundowns have been the most dominant team, winning eight consecutive Premiership titles and former Chiefs midfielder Khumalo believes that Masandawana’s poor form is also bad for Bafana
“They have their internal problems, you yourself fix yourself and face them when they don’t have problems, then I will take my hat off, and salute – but at the moment, I can’t say that. I’m praying and hoping they resolve their problems, we can’t afford to lose Sundowns, especially on the continent,” he added.
“Remember, Sundowns are so important to us. When the draw was made for the World Cup, they asked the Mexican coach; what do you think of South Africa? He was talking about South Africa and answered by saying, ‘I saw Sundowns in the FIFA Club World Cup’ with this and that.
“These guys have taken the pride of the nation to another level – countries, teams, respect South African football because of Sundowns, Pirates and all the teams that have played outside South Africa.”
Sundowns will host their former coach, Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger, in a must-win CAF Champions League Group C encounter at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
