Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams downplays 'title decider' hype

The hype around this evening’s Betway Premiership clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns would lead an uninformed observer to think a champion is going to be crowned at the FNB Stadium tonight.

As it is, there have been many who have termed this match a title decider.

The reality is completely the opposite, says one of the men who will be at the centre of an encounter that is fast becoming the country’s most hotly contested fixture.

“The most important thing about this game is three points. It's not about being a league title decider,” says South Africa’s number one player, the goalkeeper and captain of the senior national team, Ronwen Williams.

Speaking in his capacity as Sundowns’ skipper, Williams reminded those who might not be aware that the season has only just reached the halfway mark — far too early for any game to be so decisive as to confirm the direction of the trophy.

“There are too many games to play. I think we still have 15 games left, so there are a lot of points to play for. So for now, it's three points and that's the most important. That's what we are focusing on. It's just going out there and collecting maximum points and just closing the gap.”

It’s not a massive gap; the champions trail the pretenders to the throne by six points, having played a match less. Win tonight, and they will surely turn the pressure on their adversaries.

Though they will be playing away from home, Williams believes their supporters will be important in helping them get the better of the opposition, as they have done in previous matches during a testing time for the club.

“The support has been amazing, especially in the last few weeks when things were not looking so good for us. Against MC Alger [in the must-win final group match of the CAF Champions League this past Saturday], they were that extra motivation, giving us energy by beating those drums. They played their part.

"And we need them in these difficult times, in these moments, especially now at the back end of the season where there's a lot to play for. We need them now. This is where we draw strength from one another. The energy that they brought into that game was amazing.”

Williams urged ‘Masandawana’ to get behind the boys again, encouraging them to buy the tickets that are still available.

“Please Masandawana, go out there, get the tickets, get behind the boys. It's a big one. The team is in a good space now. Let us go out there and celebrate together.”

The top-of-the-table clash is scheduled for a 7:30pm kick-off.