The effect of Mamelodi Sundowns players at Bafana Bafana has been praised but South Africa's progression at the Africa Cup of Nations could come at a big cost for the Brazilians.
Bafana have had at least eight players from the Brazilians on their line-up since thrashing Namibia 4-0 at the AFCON and the same team held Tunisia to a goalless draw to qualify for the last 16 and stunned number one-ranked side Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16.
While the rest of the country is rooting for Bafana to go all the way in the tournament, Sundowns coaches would simultaneously have apprehensions about their players' well-being, ahead of the resumption of the league in mid-February.
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Should South Africa progress to the business end of the tournament, they could play until 11 February, which is the date for the final or if they reach the semi-final and lose it, they would be scheduled to play a third/fourth play-off game a day before the final on 10 February.
Although the Brazilians have a healthy lead at the top of the DStv Premiership, having the core of their team up to such dates would mean they may not be available for a couple of matches post-AFCON, as they would firstly need a break to recover, with Sundowns having two fixtures around the corner on 14 February against Golden Arrows and three days later against Orlando Pirates.
The issue of fatigue will be a big concern from the Brazilians' perspective, as the Tshwane giants had already played 30 matches in all competitions before the season went into a break.
In so far as the DStv Premiership is concerned, Sundowns could manage their fatigue dynamic with Bafana players, as they have a nine-point lead at the top with two games in hand.
However, it will be where it matters most, in the CAF Champions League, which resumes on 23 February, where fatigue would be a challenging factor, after they struggled already due to the same issue, as admitted by head coach Rulani Mokwena, after reaching the final of and winning the African Football League.
The Brazilians only top Group A by virtue of a superior head-to-head over TP Mazembe and are only three points ahead of Pyramids and Nouadhibou, with two games remaining.
Sundowns would be more desperate to win the CAF Champions League this season as it would guarantee them a spot in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
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