Pitso's Barca, CAF conundrum
Not all cut and dried days after announcement
Mamelodi Sundowns may have jumped the gun by announcing they will take on Spanish giants Barcelona in an exhibition match next week.
Sundowns are waiting on CAF to reschedule their Champions League fixture against Horoya AC to pave the way for the Barca match.
There was still no listing of the La Liga champions playing Sundowns on Barca’s official website yesterday.
And this was two days after Brazilians owner Patrice Motsepe had announced the highprofile friendly on Friday.
Sundowns are scheduled to play Horoya in a Champions League Group C match in Guinea on May 15. This is while the clash against Barca has been earmarked for May 16 at the FNB Stadium.
After Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Wydad Casablanca in their Champions League group opener on Saturday, coach Pitso Mosimane sounded uncertain on what was coming for his team next week.
“Whether the game on Tuesday [against Horoya] is there or not is on the edge. Probably the game will be postponed to next Wednesday and if it is, it gives an opportunity to respect football and try to play a prepared team,” Mosimane said after Wydad’s game at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
“But if the friendly game is there also on Wednesday [against Barca] you got to manage the team’s legs.”
Barca will face Levante next Sunday before concluding their league campaign against Real Sociedad on May 20.
Apart from these fixtures, their website lists the International Champions Cup (July 28 to August 4) in their off-season programme.
Attempts to get Sundowns to comment if there were any developments, drew a blank as spokesperson Thulani Thuswa was not available.
Meanwhile, Mosimane said his side did well against Wydad’s threat.
Sibusiso Vilakazi’s shot forced an own goal by Badr Gaddarine in the third minute.
Mosimane hinted he would rest his key players for the encounter against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
If the game is there you’ve got to manage the team’s legs