Champions elect Mamelodi Sundowns are not yet home and dry.
With three matches to go, this season’s trophy looks destined to head to the capital city but Sundowns defender Thabo Nthethe, who is nicknamed Mr Cool, has called for calm.
“We have to do what we have been doing until we have the trophy in our hands.
“For now it’s not yet ours,” said Nthethe, whose side is at the top of the Absa Premiership table with 62 points.
Though Nthethe knows that it’s just a matter of time before the Brazilians are crowned champions, the defender says there’s still some work to do.
Nthethe says he and his teammates should not take their clash against University of Pretoria, whom they play at Tuks Stadium tonight, as a walk in the park. He reckons they have to approach the match against the relegation candidates with the same attitude and commitment like they did against Kaizer Chiefs and other big teams.
“Finally we see the season is about to end. It’s been tough. We have to keep on doing what we have been doing.We have to do our homework. We have to finish on a high. The guys are calm. It’s not the first time that we have been in this position, and the guys know how to focus.
“The coach has emphasised the need for us to calm down. We have to do what we have been doing until we have the trophy in our hands. We have to score goals and we also have to make sure that we don’t concede,” Nthethe insisted.
“Every game that we play we do analysis. We know how Tuks play. We have to focus on the game and do what we have been doing. It’s going to be tough because of their position but we have to make sure we keep a clean sheet. We have to ensure that we win it.”
Tuks are second from bottom on the league table with 21 points. Their chances of surviving the chop and or finishing in the play-off spot hang in the balance. The men coached by Shaun Bartlett will have to be at their best if they are to beat Sundowns. History is not doing them any favours as Tuks have not beaten Sundowns since joining the elite ranks. Tuks defenders will have to contain what’s known as CBD comprising Downs attackers Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly. The trio have been behind Sundowns’ excellence this season. Billiat has been one standout performer, who is touted as a possible winner for this season’s best player in the country.
“Khama has been committed to the team. He has been working hard for us. He is one of the most talented players but he works hard. He has been preparing well and performing well.
“I won't be surprised if he is crowned Player of the Season or Players’ Player of the Season. I believe he deserves it,” said Nthethe.
Though Nthethe is calling for calm, Sundowns could wrap the league title up with two games to go. - The Star