PSL title on a knife-edge

PSL clubs have been playing friendly matches to keep themselves busy in the past two weeks.

The PSL programme resumes with the Nedbank Cup on Saturday after a 17-day break due to the Fifa international week.

The four title chasers, Ajax Cape Town, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, have used the break to allow players to recuperate and keep sharp. Ajax sit atop the log with 52 points from 25 games, followed by Sundowns and Bucs on 50 and Amakhosi on 46, having played one game less.

Sundowns gave their players a break before they returned to action on Thursday in a tough friendly against Jomo Cosmos, who beat the second-placed Brazilians 3-1.

"We gave the players the weekend off to recuperate and to spend time with their loved ones. This was in the hope of rejuvenating them ahead of a short yet demanding last five league games," said Sundowns PRO Alex Shakoane.

Physical trainer Jesus Suarez has been working with players around the clock.

Sundowns welcomed back Lebohang "Cheeseboy" Mokoena to normal training after a hamstring injury. Lanky defender Luvhengo Mungomeni is also back from an ankle injury.

Sundowns, knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Pirates will recommence their league schedule against Ajax on April 6.

"I believe the winner of our match against Ajax will win the league. We are happy our players are coming back from injuries and maybe the break came as a blessing. Eduardo Ferreira has also started training with the rest of the squad," said Shakoane.

Sundowns played Witbank Spurs in Secunda yesterday. They face FC AK on Tuesday before their last friendly, against Bidvest Wits, on Thursday.

Pirates have also been doing lots of work behind the scenes. In addition to an extensive training programme, they have been playing national first division and Vodacom League clubs. They nailed Alexandra United 5-3 and have two more matches lined-up.

Captain Lucky Lekgwathi and Katlego Mashego, who received knocks against Ajax, did not play against Alexandra. But Dikgang "Terminator" Mabalane and Lucas Thwala are playing again. Along with Robyn Johannes, Thwala and Mabalane, the trio looked good against Alexandra.

Pirates spokesman Mickey Modisane said they also worked on their "mental recovery following the 3-0 hiding we got from Ajax".

"We don't think the break will affect our momentum. It has given us enough time to recover.

"It is also an opportunity for the coach to try new formations and tactics and we might come back a different side, who knows?" said Modisane.

Pirates' first official match is against United FC in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday. They then restart their league campaign against Moroka Swallows four days later.

Ajax have used the break to play two matches in the reserve league in the coastal region. They also played against 16 trialists who are at the club.

"The trialists are between the ages of 17-20. This is our criteria and the vision of the club. The coach has been selecting a mixture of injured, inactive and regulars for those matches.

"It was not going to make sense to organise a lot of friendlies because our five key positions are taken by national team players who are away with their countries," said Ajax representative Shoes Mekuto.

Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung was cagey about their schedule, but said they arranged matches with smaller teams in the first divisions and their junior teams. He refused to disclose the names of the clubs.

"We have been involved in practice matches behind closed doors. The coach has been working very hard preparing the team indoors.

"The break has helped players like Knowledge Musona to recover from his painful shoulder injury."