Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs face contrasting tests after Betway Premiership break

Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs all entered the first Fifa break unbeaten, but the Betway Premiership’s traditional big three have differing problems to solve when domestic football resumes.

Sundowns lead the standings on 20 points, one ahead of champions Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand. Kaizer Chiefs are fourth, seven points behind the leaders, and also have a match in hand.

The Brazilians have been the most prolific side, scoring 19 goals in eight matches. Their attacking strength has been boosted by the return of Cassius Mailula and the form of Brayan Leon.

However, coach Miguel Cardoso has been concerned by Sundowns’ defensive record. Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been beaten too easily, despite the quality of the international defenders available to the coach.

Injuries to right-back Khuliso Mudau and centre-back Keanu Cupido have contributed to an unsettled defence, but Cardoso will need his replacements to adapt quickly. Thabang Matuludi made his first start of the season, and his first for the club, in the 2-1 victory over Al Ahli in the Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Sundowns now face a demanding schedule. They will meet Pirates in the MTN8 final, resume their league campaign, begin the CAF Champions League group stage, compete in the Carling Knockout, play USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup and continue their Fifa Intercontinental Cup campaign.

Pirates must also balance domestic and continental commitments, although they will not take part in the CAF Super Cup or the Fifa Intercontinental Cup. Their ability to manage that workload will test the character of the Sea Robbers.

The club have depended heavily on several promising young players in recent months because of senior departures and injuries. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has criticised moments of showboating, saying his players need to produce more constructive football and become more clinical in front of goal.

Some members of the football fraternity have accused Ouaddou of being too demanding with players who simply want to enjoy themselves and “embrace the culture of SA football”. The Moroccan insists there is nothing impressive about showboating when the team urgently needs results.

He will now be expected to strike a balance: allowing his young players to use their strengths while ensuring they adapt to the demands of each match.

Kaizer Chiefs have also avoided defeat but have lacked consistency, dropping points in matches they were expected to win. Costly errors have been a significant factor in their uneven start.

Captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made three mistakes in three league matches, against Mamelodi Sundowns, Richards Bay and Polokwane, and Chiefs failed to win any of those games. While Petersen was considered the main culprit, experts also argued that the defence should have offered him greater protection.

Petersen was injured before the break, giving him time to reflect and work on areas of weakness. Others believe his struggles could give newcomer Renaldo Leaner a chance to establish himself as Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper.

All three clubs have had three weeks to address their shortcomings, and their response will be closely watched when the season resumes.