Downs still dream of top 8

Mamelodi Sundowns are still clinging to faint hopes of a top eight finish in the Absa Premiership.

But coach Pitso Mosimane's side have to win all three of their remaining matches to achieve their goal.

Sundowns have been their own worst enemies in recent matches, dropping valuable points as a result of late goals.

Questions have also been asked of the highly paid stars, who are unable to match their exorbitant salaries with consistently stellar performances.

But Mosimane is optimistic Sundowns will not suffer the ignominy of finishing outside the top eight bracket for the fourth time in the last 10 seasons.

"If you look at the standings we are not too far," said Mosimane, after he guided Downs to a 2-1 win over Free State Stars at home on Tuesday.

Nyasha Mushekwi grabbed a brace while Daniel Cardoso scored for Stars.

"We feel much better ... a little bit of relief. And the players will sure feel confident after this win.

"I believe we can win all our remaining games. Why can't we?

"The performances have been good, but unfortunately the results have been letting us down.

"We dominate, we are creating lots of chances. But we can't apply the right technique in the last phase. We are perhaps too stressed because of the league situation, and the stress levels tend to rise when we mess up opportunities.

"There's nothing wrong with Sundowns. This is a good team.

"It was a difficult match against Stars, much more difficult than the Celtic one.

"If you score, the whole tone changes. We did well, we fought and the senior players came to the party.

"I'm happy with the result," Mosimane said.

With the Nedbank Cup taking centre stage this weekend, Downs will return to league action with a visit to Black Leopards on Tuesday.