With their return from a short international break, Mamelodi Sundowns are at home this weekend for the Carling Knockout Cup assignment where they will host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Looking ahead to the clash in their backyard, coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted at the Carling Knockout Cup press conference in Johannesburg, that Golden Arrows will be a tough opponent to play against.
“It’s not going to be an easy match. When we played them in the final stages of last season to a goalless draw in Durban, they were very dangerous. They are a team that has influential players who are always looking to create possibilities for them,” he stated.
“It’s a complex game but more than the flamboyance that you think will be there, I see a lot of transitions. We will need to contain the situation better, probably with better counter-pressures and rest defence with better organisation behind the ball. If we achieve that, I think we will do well.”
The Brazilians’ last match before the break was a triumphant 2-1 over Kaizer Chiefs while their Golden Arrows counterparts lost 2-0. This, according to coach Manqoba, will not make his side rest on their laurels as they anticipate the KwaZulu-Natal side to pose serious threats.
“They may not have had consistent performances just like us, but they are still a very dangerous team on transitions. They have had some very good performances this year against Stellenbosch FC, Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. They were unfortunate against Magesi FC. I think Magesi played their game because the expectation was to walk over Magesi, but Magesi managed to end up winning the match,” he said.
The Masandawana coach is no stranger to the Abafana Be’Sthende family and he expressed his gratitude for the impact the Club had in his career. He however, stated that the focus will remain on winning the match and advancing to the quarterfinals.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Golden Arrows. They are an extension of my family because they are the ones who gave me the opportunity in the first place, to coach at the highest level. I’ll always feel indebted to them, because they contribute so much to my life and career. Be as it may, we have a responsibility to play and win a crucial match. They may not have had consistent performances just like us, but they are still a very dangerous team on transitions. They have had some good performances this year.
For Bafana Ba Style, it will be crucial to begin their Carling Knockout Cup campaign at home with a win as they look to hoist their first silverware of the season.
Mamelodi Sundowns will do host Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off has been scheduled for 18H00.
SOURCED FROM THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WEBSITE.
