Aubrey Modiba has admitted that the Betway Premiership title race is still very much on their minds.
This is despite the team being involved in a crucial CAF Champions League final. And the destiny of the Betway Premiership is out of their hands now.
Modiba scored the only goal as Sundowns defeated AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
But while the Brazilians were focused on continental business, they were also keeping a close eye on the title race involving Orlando Pirates.
Pirates were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Durban City on Saturday — a result that keeps Sundowns’ slim league hopes alive heading into the final round of fixtures.
Modiba admitted the players were following the Pirates’ result closely.
“Yeah, no, obviously, when it was a draw, we were watching that game,” said Modiba.
“When it was a draw, we still believed, we always believe, anything can happen — but we also know the quality of Orlando Pirates, how bad they want the league.”
Despite Pirates remaining favourites to lift the title, Sundowns have not completely given up hope.
The Buccaneers still need a positive result against Orbit College FC in their final match to officially seal the championship.
Modiba says Sundowns will continue believing until the very end.
“Hopefully, in the last game against Orbit, they will have the same result, so we’ll just hope and pray. We always believe, you must always believe, so yeah, we believe,” he added.
Sundowns are chasing a ninth consecutive league title, but after surrendering top spot earlier in the season, they now face the real possibility of seeing Pirates end their dominance.
However, the Tshwane giants have placed themselves in a strong position to soften that blow after moving one step closer to CAF Champions League glory.