Mamelodi Sundowns' star-studded squad is set to be tested to its limits with a congested fixture schedule kicking off with a blockbuster clash against continental heavyweights Al Ahly.
Sundowns have so far contested 32 matches in all competitions so far this season and yet could still find themselves playing for another 12 weeks.
READ | Rulani responds to reports of escalating Sundowns crisis
Local domination
To date the Brazilians' campaign has included 22 league games in the DStv Premiership as they gear up towards a sixth consecutive title.
The Chloorkop-based side require a maximum of eight from their remaining eight matches to be crowned yet again league champions.
They have already beaten every opponent in the league at least once this season and their remaining games are against Royal AM, Cape Town City, Swallows, Golden Arrows, Richards Bay, AmaZulu, Marumo Gallants, and Richards Bay.
With the title now in the bag, it is a matter of surpassing the record of 71 points along with the most wins, most goals, and fewest goals conceded records.
Nedbank Cup
In the Nedbank Cup, they have already been the first club through to the quarter-finals after overcoming Marumo Gallants last Thursday and are now waiting for their next opponents.
Sundowns were also first through from the last 32 after negotiating their way past Richards Bay.
Having reached the last eight they could play three more games in the competition if they proceed all the way to the final.
For now, they have one game guaranteed in the competition.
The Brazilians are the Nedbank Cup holders.
MTN8
Earlier this season they played three games in the MTN8 and came stuck in the semi-finals as they surrendered the trophy, they had won last season.
The team that knocked them out Orlando Pirates went on to ultimately lift the trophy.
CAF Champions League
The matter at hand considered as the prime target is this competition – the CAF Champions League.
With all the millions or rands that have been invested since the beginning of last year in bringing in Marcelo Allende, Ronwen Williams, Abubeker Nasir, Sipho Mbule, and Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Terrence Mashego, Erwin Saavedra, Teboho Mokoena, and Bradley Ralani this is the ultimate prize.
So far so good with 15 goals scored against La Passe in the pre-group stages round.
Seven points in the bag after three games in a group featuring Al Ahly, Al Hilal, and Cotonsport to date means all is in order to date though qualification to the quarterfinals is not yet secured as yet.
Victory against Al Ahly on Saturday at Loftus will secure progression to the next round with two games away at Al Hilal and at home to Cotonsport to play.
With five games played in this competition so far there could still be another nine to play if The Brazilians reach the two-legged final in June.
Three in the group stages are guaranteed so far.
League games run up to May 20 while the Nedbank Cup is also slotted in for the same month, but these dates will all be dependent on what happens of Sundowns' Champions League campaign with the continental competition overriding the domestic dates should there be a clash.
If they win the CAF Champions League (the second leg of which is to be played on June 9) they will then start next season with the CAF Super Cup on August 11 against the winners of the CAF Confederation Cup.
As Champions League winners there will also be a trip to Saudi Arabia in December for the FIFA Club World Cup.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In