Sundowns

Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns challengesThato Mokeke of Cape Town City during the 2021 MTN8 Final match between Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns on the 30 October 2021 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Sundowns are wary of dangerous Cape Town City outfit

The trials and tribulations of the MTN 8 final are still fresh in the minds of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad as they travel to Cape Town.

Sundowns

Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns challengesThato Mokeke of Cape Town City during the 2021 MTN8 Final match between Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns on the 30 October 2021 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns could not have wished for a better start to their DStv Premiership title defence but remain wary of potential slip-ups that could cost them in the long run.

Sundowns next assignment comes against Cape Town City who took the Brazilians into extra time and penalties in the MTN 8 final.

Mamelodi Sundowns on top but looking to soar

Extra time will not be on the cards this weekend but dropped points certainly could be if Sundowns aren’t at their best.

Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi said that the international break has strengthened their squad with their internationals returning unscathed and a couple of injured stars returning to training.

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“Fortunately, maybe the break came at a right time for us because Rivaldo and Khuliso, who had small knocks, are back in the reckoning,” said Mngqithi.

“We almost have a full-strength squad, which puts us in a very difficult position as coaches in terms of team selection. But truth be told, this is the group we believe has the capacity to get the results we require in this match.

“We are facing a very good team that is organised, very dangerous offensively and dangerous in transition from defence to attack. But they are a team that also has some defensive frailties we can try to capitalise on.

“We are going into this game with a lot of respect and humility. The MTN8 result is history and it is important to go into this match and respect it because they gave us a tough time in the MTN8 final.

“Based on the fact that we know very well what to expect from that match, we are even more galvanised and intrinsically motivated to try to earn the result. We know the challenges ahead of us.

“At Sundowns all we want is to win and to play good football but we must do that with a lot of respect for what the opponents are also capable of, and that is basically what we have to guard against.”

Sundowns face City at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.