Mamelodi Sundowns’ depth – aided by their January transfer window activity, had aided the school of thought that they can still dominate on the domestic front minus their AFCON stars.
Sundowns have 10 players on AFCON duty in Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Terrence Mashego, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Morena, and Thapelo Maseko.
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Despite all those players away, the Brazilians still have a formidable squad at Chloorkop that would still be favoured to get past all their local opponents and complete the title mission and lift the Nedbank Cup.
Minus the 10 at AFCON, Sundowns still have Denis Onyango and Reyaad Pieterse to take care of business between on any day.
At the back, Rushine De Reuck, Mosa Lebusa, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Brian Onyango, Zuko Mdunyelwa, and Divine Lunga would be capable enough.
In midfield, Rivaldo Coetzee, Bongani Zungu, Marcelo Allende, Bathusi Aubaas, Sipho Mbule, Sphelele Mkhulise, Thembinkosi Lorch, Matias Esquivel, and Gaston Sirino would do the job.
On another day, the midfield options would be Sammy Seabi, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Lebohang Maboe, Tashreeq Matthews, Lesiba Nku, Junior Mendieta, Neo Maema, Siyanda Nyanga, Ntando Nkosi, and Siyabonga Mabena.
Then right at the top, Peter Shalulile would lead the line since Namibia is already out of the AFCON, with Abubeker Nasir an option depending on when he recovers from his latest injury.
There is no doubt that this would still be a squad strong enough to stand their own against any local opposition considering that Esquivel, Lorch, Costa, Matthews, Mendieta, and Nku can play in the attacking third.
Sundowns are already cruising to their seventh league title in a row having won 12 and drawn two of their opening 14 league games.
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As it stands, they need 34 points from the remaining 16 games to wrap up the title, but this is provided one of the three clubs in the chasing pack win all their remaining games.
What Sundowns could be in the region of 24 points, which means half of the points still available to play for.
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