Why Mamelodi Sundowns is ahead of other teams in the DStv Premiership - Thulani Hlatshwayo

By Charles Baloyi
2nd December 2023

According to SuperSport United defender, Thulani Hlatshwayo, accumulating maximum points in the initial stages of the DStv Premiership could potentially lead to Mamelodi Sundowns securing their seventh consecutive league championship.

Currently, Sundowns have a flawless record, winning all nine league matches and amassing 27 points, placing them two points ahead of second-place Cape Town City with four matches in hand.

Hlatshwayo, speaking to SABC Sport, expressed the view that Sundowns might reap the benefits of accruing points in the latter half of the season when competition intensifies, with other teams vying for relegation survival, a spot in the top eight, and placement in the CAF Champions League.

READ: AmaZulu defender believes they can dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns

"I think we have seen how Sundowns have won the league. In the first round they will collect points, and they will be ruthless which I feel like other teams have an opportunity to catch up to them," Hlatshwayo said.

"Make sure that you collect more points as much as you can because the second round is harder, everyone is fighting for something. There top 2, there's top 4, top 8, surviving relegation, that's why it gets tougher. So, I think it's important for us and other teams to make sure that we collect as much points as we can before the second break."

Hlatshwayo also emphasised that the domestic championship is not to be dismissed as a “ farmer’s league” and has called up other teams to elevate their performance and alter the existing status quo.

"I think we all have to take full responsibility for what has been happening and not only your so-called bigger teams because I remember when I was still at Wits [Bidvest Wits] we never had such a gap because a lot of teams were really strong,” Hlatshwayo added.

“I feel like even the big teams have tried to evolve their squad and I wouldn't say the league has turned into a one-man show. If you look at the past three years with all the other teams and how many players they've released and you look at Sundowns, they've kept their core. I always believe in a core and they've kept their core that's why they have experience and they know how to plan."