Komphela: ‘Sundowns desperate to wrap it up’

Having dropped points in Wednesday’s game, Mamelodi Sundowns have not hidden their desperation in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL)’s Betway Premiership title race.

The Betway Premiership serial champions failed to reclaim top spot after sharing spoils at one-all with Stellenbosch FC in a midweek game.

Senior Coach Steve Komphela reflects on yesterday’s draw, pointing to the positives and the lessons learnt as the team continues to build 💪#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/Lf1uKAuW3W

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 23, 2026

Now going into Sunday’s away game against Richards Bay FC, Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela disclosed the source of their desperation in the PSL run in.

Why Sundowns are desperate

Speaking to his club’s media, the assistant coach admitted that the defending champions are desperate to wrap up the Betway Premiership title and concentrate on the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR.

“It is a question of the mindset,” he said. “We are used to this environment and terrain. We are going to Richards Bay to play our game. In as much as we know they are a strong team especially at home, we desperately need this result so that we can wrap this thing up,” he said.

The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor stressed the need for the Pretoria-based giants champions to bounce back from their result of the game against Stellenbosch FC.

The PSL title run in heating up

“One big factor that we do have is the energy and focus to get this thing over the line,” he said. “The performance was ok. We could have done better. We scored a goal in as much as it was not counted and a late penalty conceded.

#BetwayPrem – RESULT:

Tshegofatso Mabasa converts from the spot to earn @StellenboschFC a share of the spoils against @Masandawana. pic.twitter.com/SzF7TvxXK6

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 22, 2026

“When you look at it from this point of view, it is a match that we should have won. It is part of football. We march on to the next one.”

The dropped points saw Miguel Cardoso’s men failing to reclaim top spot with close pursuers Orlando Pirates taking advantage to stay at the summit. The Buccaneers are one point ahead of Masandawana after having played one game more.

Sundowns can return to the top if they beat Richards Bay at uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday. However, that would depend on the outcome of Pirates’ meeting with sworn rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The game between Masandawana and Natal Rich Boys will kick off at 5:30pm Southern African Time and will be broadcast on SuperSport TV channel 220, among others.