Sundowns and Steve Komphela face-off in the MTN8

Mamelodi Sundowns take on Steve Komphela‘s Mororka Swallows in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 on Saturday afternoon.

Komphela shocked Downs players, fans, and management when he made a sudden switch to Swallows a few months ago having spent over three years with the Brazilians.

Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena said Saturday’s fixture against the Dube Birds holds immense significance as they are coached by Komphela.

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“We are facing a coach whom we know very well and who is in charge of a team that is very tough to beat. They are a strong side with good players and we are ready to set aside any obstacles to give our best. Football ultimately belongs to the players because they are the ones on the pitch. We have to do the right things at the right time to succeed against our opponents,” said the Sundowns coach.

The Brazilians won the Wafa Wafa Cup two years ago but fell short at the semi-final stage last year at the hands of Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns take on Moroka Swallows this weekend

Mokwena is confident that his charges will go all the way and lift the title as they are more prepared.

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“We find ourselves in a space where there is pressure to win every game, considering that we operate within a high-performance environment. Nevertheless, this pressure is what drives us to continually improve and strive for excellence.

“Our focus is on maintaining consistency and delivering our best on every occasion. The experience gained from the previous season serves as a valuable lesson and we are determined to take each game as it comes,” said the Sundowns coach.

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