'Downs on verge of third Absa Prem title in 5 years

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns will be on the brink of a third Absa Premiership crown within the last five years with a win over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday.

Sundowns enjoy a hugely superior goal difference over second-placed Orlando Pirates and if the Brazilians beat the Team of Choice at the Harry Gwala Stadium, they would have seemingly wrapped up the title race for 2017/18.

If Pirates are beaten by Bidvest Wits though Pitso Mosimane's men with a further two games remaining would not need to pick up any points due to a superior goal difference of 12 goals.

With that said, Maritzburg were greatly impressive in the 3-1 defeat of Downs in a recent Nedbank Cup semi-final, and coach Pitso Mosimane will no doubt be underestimating their opponents.

Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers are also in action on the same day when they take on vanquished champions Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Should Sundowns maintain their six-point advantage over the Buccaneers to win the league title, another championship triumph would be momentous for skipper Hlompho Kekana‚ goalkeeper Denis Onyango as well as forward Anthony Laffor.

It would represent their fifth championship during their respective careers having previously picked up crowns at SuperSport United. To go along with the two previous titles won under the stewardship of Pitso Mosimane in the 2013/14 and 2015/16 campaigns.

The feat would match former Bafana Bafana 'keeper, Andre Arendse, as one of the players with the most league titles won by individual players, tallying five titles.

Currently, Bidvest Wits winger Daine Klate holds the record having won six titles during his time with SuperSport, Orlando Pirates and the Bidvest Wits.

In addition, if the side from Pretoria secured the Absa Premiership crown for first time since 2015/16, it would extend their domination in the Absa Premiership era. Moving to eight title wins - four ahead of both Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates.