‘First 15 games determines league winner,’ says Sundowns star

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole, updated on

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Terrence Mashego asserts that the outcome of the South African league title is often decided after the first 15 matches of the season.  

This season, the Betway Premiership appears to be highly competitive, with Orlando Pirates showing significant improvement while the reigning champions, Sundowns, seem to have experienced a decline.

The Buccaneers have made an impressive start, securing victories in all five of their opening matches, which places them at the top of the league table with 15 points.  

Meanwhile, Masandawana have recorded four wins and one loss in their first five league encounters, positioning them second in the standings with a total of 12 points from a possible 15.

First 15 games determines league winner,’ says Sundowns star
Terrence Mashego – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

Mashego, a two-time league champion with the Tshwane club, believes that the first half of the season is a critical period for identifying the potential title winner.

TERRENCE MASHEGO ON HOW TO WIN THE LEAGUE

“Yes, actually the first 10. If you could win the first 10 games you stand a good chance to survive relegation,” Mashego told iDiski Times.

“So I say if you do well in your first 15 games you stand a good chance of winning the league. 

“So far we have done well and like I said with the MTN8 games that we played we were doing so well that we created too many chances and now we are starting to convert those chances hence we are doing well.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.