Former Mamelodi Sundowns footballer Alton Meiring describes mentioning fatigue and a team like Mamelodi Sundowns in the same sentence as "nonsense".
The log leaders let a two-goal lead slip against Moroka Swallows on Monday, to eventually draw the match 2-2.
This was much to the disappointment of Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, who was not happy with some of referee Jelly Chavani's decisions.
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Meiring says his former club should accept that the other teams have now upped their game since the end of the 2023/24 season is near.
"We must remember that some people are also fighting for their lives. They will win the league Sundowns, but it's not going to be easy," the ex-striker tells KickOff.
"I don't think Sundowns are struggling, it's just that the other teams are fighting for their lives now.
"Relegation-bound clubs' players are looking to impress their future employers. That mindset is stepping in now.
"If you put somebody in a corner, and have his back against the wall, you will see how that person all of a sudden develops skills that you never knew they had. It's because they wanna survive," he adds.
Meiring also dispels the notion that the Chloorkop-based side's players are fatigued having played way more games than other South African as they seek to conquer the continent.
"Sundowns players are not tired because that would be an excuse as they bought all the best players. It's just that they are facing teams who are desperate to survive relegation. So, those teams' players have to step up, they don't wanna lose their contracts.
"I don't believe Sundowns players are tired, that's nonsense. They are professionals.
"They are remaining with nine league matches. Aargh... Kaizer Chiefs is no threat to them. It's just a big name. Sundowns will win the league anyway. Yes, they will get a defeat in their remaining matches, that is quite possible.
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"And they are still going to play the semi-finals game with Stellenbosch, I don't think it's gonna be an easy game. It will also weigh them down.
"It's gonna upset them, but they will win the league. Every team that is still going to face the bottom-of-the-table teams should expect tough times ahead."
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