Mamelodi Sundowns rely on resilience in bid to extend Premiership lead

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien says the club’s determination to fight until the final whistle has been central to their recent success as they prepare to face struggling Siwelele on Wednesday.

Sundowns moved three points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates after beating Golden Arrows 2-1 in a Premiership match on Sunday. Pirates have a game in hand, but the Brazilians can open up a six-point advantage if they defeat Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 BST on Wednesday, with Sundowns taking a four-match winning run across all competitions into the fixture.

Basadien believes the team’s ability to remain positive, regardless of the circumstances, has helped them collect important results.

“One of the strengths we have as a team is that we can grind out results with a positive mindset and an attitude that we will never give up,” Basadien told the club media department.

“We play until the last minute, no matter what the scoreline, or what is happening during the game. We know that eventually we will create a chance, and it is important to use it. One of the key aspects we have as a team is that we keep going until the last minute.”

The match comes at a time of uncertainty for Siwelele, who have released coach Lehlohonolo Seema. Sundowns will therefore face an opponent preparing for the game under different circumstances, but Basadien says his side must remain focused on its own approach.

“Maybe the new coach will implement some new things, but I think it’s important for us just to stick to what we want to do to achieve the victory,” said Basadien.

The 29-year-old defender has made seven appearances across all competitions this season. He said his increased involvement followed a period in which he had to remain patient before taking his opportunity.

“It wasn’t the start I wanted to have, but with my belief and positive mindset and attitude I took the chance when I was given it. Now it’s just about maintaining consistency.”

Sundowns will also be in league action against Chippa at Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday, while the domestic programme includes fixtures involving Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune, AmaZulu, Gallants, Polokwane, Kaizer Chiefs, Milford, Bay, Siwelele, Golden Arrows, Galaxy and Kruger.

Upcoming league fixtures

Wednesday

Mamelodi Sundowns v Siwelele, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, 19:30.

Friday

Stellenbosch v Sekhukhune, Athlone, 19:30.

Saturday

AmaZulu v Gallants, Princess Magogo, 15:00.

Polokwane v Kaizer Chiefs, Old Peter Mokaba, 15:00.

Chippa v Mamelodi Sundowns, Nelson Mandela Bay, 17:30.

Sunday

Milford v Bay, Sugar Ray Xulu, 15:00.

Siwelele v Golden Arrows, Free State, 15:00.

Galaxy v Kruger, Solomon Mahlangu, 17:30.

African competitions

Orlando Pirates will host La Cure Sylvester at Orlando on Saturday at 15:00 in the second leg of the Caf Champions League first-round tie.

In the Caf Confederation Cup, Rukinzo will play Durban at Stade Intwari on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.