THE midfielder of Mamelodi Sundowns, Bathusi Aubaas, has opened up about their suspension at the hands of Orlando Pirates as they compete for the South African league title which they have turned into a tradition.
Aubaas, who was speaking to the media recently, admitted that although it helps them to raise their socks, the pressure from Pirates leaves them without a sign to drop points.
Sundowns have a chance to return to the top of the Betway Premiership log with a key match against Stellenbosch FC today at 7.30pm at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria.
The match will start with Pirates leading the way with 58 points and then Sundowns with two games behind them with 56.
Sundowns are trying to win the league title for the ninth time in a row, but this time there is a difference since Pirates have progressed in such a way that it is still not clear which of these teams will end the season on top.
However, it is in the hands of Sundowns as to where the title will go because a win against Stellies (today) will not only bring them back to the top but will strengthen this position even more because they will still have a game to play against Pirates.
“Pirates have been on their toes since the start of the season, so we have no sign of softening,” said Aubaas.
“Pirates has raised the level a lot. This is useful for us, but it is also dangerous because it is interpreted as saying that we stumbled just a little, it will mean problems for us.
“What reassures us is that we know this situation (of being in contention for the league title), and we have to do it as it is.
“Ours is to listen to the message of the coach (Miguel Cardoso) that we should ignore Pirates and everything they do but focus on what should be done by us,” said Aubaas.
Although things are good for Sundowns as they are on the verge of defending the league title and in the Caf Champions League they have made it to the finals but Cardoso is still crying.
“What happened to Sundowns only happens to them in world football,” said the coach, telling the media about the lack of important matches.
“After the Stellenbosch game, the Richards Bay game will follow closely followed by Polokwane (City) and others, making us seven games in 21 days.
“This only happened to Sundowns in world football and if anyone denies it, let them come forward with evidence,” said Cardoso.
In the past months, the Portuguese coach did not hide that he was not happy with the way the Premier Soccer League (PSL) was helping them, especially in the Champions League.