Make no mistake, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have run the South African game for decades. As a result of their success, they have become two of the most widely supported teams in the PSL.
In the shadow of Bucs and Chiefs are a Mamelodi Sundowns side who hold true to their own philosophy of football.
Are Downs then the purist football playing team in the country?
Sundowns are one of the few teams in the PSL who can boast having an identity of their own that they have stuck with for many years. A playing style called ‘Shoe Shine and Piano’ has become synonymous with the club for the last decade or so.
This is a playing style based on patiently building from the back with a central midfielder usually collecting the ball from deep within their own half. Midfielders would then dictate possession before picking the right pass for the forwards to latch onto.
In a back and forth motion, this system of football was likened to the polishing of shoes with a brush, hence ‘shoe shine’. The piano element comes from the ticking sound the ball makes when it is being swiftly passed about.
Many teams share similar football systems like that of Ajax Cape Town, Chippa United and Polokwane City which are attractive to watch when in full swing.
Nevertheless, not many teams can boast the same kind of success which has been brought about by sticking to their philosophy for years on end.
Would you say Sundowns are the purist football playing team in the PSL?
