The ultimate decider: Aubrey Modiba has revealed the tension inside the Mamelodi Sundowns camp as a dramatic league title race reaches its boiling point. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba admits the defending champions are still clinging to belief and hope as the dramatic Betway Premiership title race moves toward its decisive final weekend.
After weeks of pressure, momentum swings and emotional twists, Sundowns currently hold a narrow two-point advantage over Orlando Pirates heading into the final round of the season. However, despite sitting in pole position, there remains clear understanding inside the Sundowns camp that the title race is far from over.
Pirates’ recent stumble against Durban City FC handed Sundowns a psychological advantage in the race, but the Buccaneers still remain firmly alive heading into their final fixture against Orbit College FC. Sundowns are top of the log with 68 points, two ahead of the Sea Robbers who now require nothing short of a win to claim their first league title in 14 years.
That reality appears to be weighing heavily on both clubs as tension continues to build around the closing stages of the campaign.
Speaking after Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final first-leg victory over AS FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, Modiba admitted the Brazilians are still hoping Pirates fail to win once again.
“We still believe, anything can happen but we also know the quality team of Orlando Pirates and how bad they want the league,” said Modiba.
“Hopefully, in their last game, we can have same result (draw). We just hope and pray. We always believe.”
Those comments perhaps reflect the nervous uncertainty surrounding a title race that has continuously shifted emotionally over the past few weeks. For large portions of the campaign, Pirates appeared to be building relentless pressure on Sundowns while trying to hunt down the defending champions.
Yet, the Buccaneers have repeatedly struggled to fully seize control of the race during key moments. Sundowns themselves, however, have hardly looked fully comfortable during recent weeks either.
The physical and emotional demands of balancing a CAF Champions League final alongside a fierce domestic title race have visibly stretched Miguel Cardoso’s squad. That perhaps explains why Modiba remains cautious despite Sundowns’ current advantage at the summit.
The experienced left-back has played a major role during the campaign and further enhanced his importance after scoring the decisive goal against AS FAR in the first leg of the continental final.
Now, however, attention may briefly shift back toward domestic matters before the final chapter of the Betway Premiership season unfolds. And while Sundowns still hold the upper hand, Modiba’s comments reveal a club fully aware that one final twist may still await in this remarkable title race.