The South African PSL comes to an end this weekend with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and former Champions Kaizer Chiefs tied on points going into the final round of matches.
As It Stands
Chiefs had an eleven-point gap over defending champions Sundowns at some stage this season but are now tied on points heading into the final day.
They missed out on the chance to go six points clear when they lost against their title rivals at Orlando Stadium in what was deemed a big blow for Chiefs and a big boost for Sundowns.
Amakhosi however have a better goal difference and head in to the final day with a slight advantage.
Sundowns host Black Leopards while Chiefs travel to Baroka FC.
Chiefs have struggled for goals lately and have failed to score more than one goal in nine of their last 10 matches which points to another low scoring affair when they face Baroka.
On the other hand, Sundowns have shown they can be a threat going forward as evident in their 3-0 win at Polokwane last time out and with their final game at home, they will be confident of going all guns blazing.
If Chiefs win their game, then Sundowns will have to score at least five goals to stand a chance of usurping the leaders and denying them of their first PSL title since 2015.
Scenarios
- Kaizer Chiefs win and Mamelodi Sundowns win – Title will be decided on goal difference
- Kaizer Chiefs win and Mamelodi Sundowns lose or draw – Kaizer Chiefs crowned champions
- Mamelodi Sundowns win and Kaizer Chiefs lose or draw – Mamelodi Sundowns crowned champions
- Kaizer Chiefs draw and Mamelodi Sundowns draw – Kaizer Chiefs crowned champions
- Kaizer Chiefs lose and Mamelodi Sundowns lose – Title will be decided on goal difference
What happens if both teams are tied on goal difference?
If Chiefs and Sundowns end the weekend tied on points and goal difference, Rule 8.2.3 of the NSL handbook will come into effect.
“Where Member Clubs have equal points and equal goal difference, the number of goals scored by the Member Clubs in all league matches will be used to determine the log position, with the Member Club scoring the higher number of goals occupying the higher log position.”
Chiefs have a huge seven-goal advantage having scored 47 goals compared to Sundowns’ 40 giving them another huge advantage.
What do the experts think?
“Chiefs can smell it. They can taste it. They know what must be done to get what they want. They have scored more goals than anyone else this season and with Lebogang Manyama who has 9 assists and Samir Nurkovic who has scored 13 goals, its hard to see them not winning.
Granted their form after the restart hasn’t been great and also they don’t have the best of records against Baroka, but this team know that they have worked too hard to throw it all away now. Even the taunts of “bottlers” from rivals Orlando Pirates is more than enough to spur them on. Come matchday, they will leave it all there on the pitch and it will be enough.”
Tunde Koiki
Sports Journalist / News Central Anchor
“Experience and sometimes luck play a major part in games like this. I feel the pressure will be more on Kaizer Chiefs because they haven’t won the league since 2015, they have so far blown a eleven-point lead and have been top of the PSL table since August 2019.
The feeling in the Amakhosi camp will be the “we just have to win it” feeling, and that’s pressure, a whole lot of pressure.
For Sundowns, they have done well so far this season and I expect experience and calm from the manager and players. I am very confident the Brazilians will beat the Black Leopards convincingly, but not so confident Chiefs will beat Baroka or even beat Baroka convincingly.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WILL WIN THEIR 10TH PSL TITLE THIS WEEKEND. They have what it takes.”
Nnamdi Ekugbah
Sports Journalist / News Central Anchor
“Sundowns carry a bigger goal threat heading into the final day and have the easier tie, they have goals in them and can take advantage of the huge pressure on Chiefs to win thier first title since 2015.
All said, goals will be the deciding factor here and Sundowns look the more likely to get a hatful of it.”
Tolu Shotade
Sports Journalist / News Central Anchor
One thing is for certain this weekend as has been the case for most of the season, there will definelty be twists and turns on an intriguing day in the PSL.
