SuperSport United FC's hopes of winning the DStv Premiership title were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Chippa United on Saturday. The result mathematically confirmed Mamelodi Sundowns as champions with six games remaining, extending their league dominance to six consecutive titles. Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena expressed frustration at the lack of appreciation for his team's achievements.
What happened in the title race?
SuperSport United FC needed a win against Chippa United to keep their slim title hopes alive. However, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving them with a maximum possible tally of 58 points if they win all remaining games. Sundowns, already on 59 points, were crowned champions without even playing their own match, as they were focused on their CAF Champions League campaign against Coton Sport.
Why does Mokwena feel unappreciated?
Mokwena praised his players for their consistency and dominance across multiple competitions. He argued that winning the league is the hardest achievement in South African football, requiring 30 matches against 15 opponents over eight months. Despite Sundowns' success, Mokwena believes the team does not receive enough credit, calling them 'victims of their own success.'
What's next for Sundowns?
Sundowns are now focused on a potential treble, with the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup still to play for. Their 2-1 win over Coton Sport secured top spot in their group, advancing to the knockout stages. Mokwena emphasized the difficulty of maintaining high performance levels across domestic and continental competitions, warning against complacency.
How does this affect SuperSport United FC?
The draw against Chippa United means SuperSport United FC will finish the season as runners-up at best. Their focus now shifts to securing a top-three finish and preparing for next season's title challenge. The team will need to regroup and address any weaknesses exposed during the campaign.
SuperSport United FC