Jingles wants some jangle
GOAL: ALREADY-QUALIFIED DOWNS WANT TO END POOL CAMPAIGN ON A HIGH
Mosimane urges players to keep the badge in mind when they face AS Vita in final pool game.
Pitso Mosimane remains optimistic of a top-ofthe-table finish in the Caf Champions League group stages as his side gears up for their final pool game at Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow night.
The defending champions will be playing with less pressure against Congolese heavyweights AS Vita, as they have already booked a quarterfinal berth. High on Mosimane’s wish list is probably a win for Saint George over Group C leaders Esperance of Tunis, as that would see Downs leapfrog the Tunisians to finish at the summit of the group – provided they get maximum points over Vita.
“Unfortunately it is not in our hands because of the game that we lost against Esperance (2-1), which came back to haunt us. The bigger picture is that we qualified with a game in hand, and that was the same thing last year,” said Mosimane. The Brazilians have stuttered at home, having only collected one point in the capital, but gallantly won seven points on the road. With qualification guaranteed, the African Coach-of-the-Year says tomorrow’s encounter is all about restoring the team’s pride.
“We are safe and we are playing for the badge. We also need our integrity back. Remember the quip that we qualified through the back door? We went to Kinshasa and we beat Vita, so that’s sorted. That is the integrity of the team and I was praising the players for really making sure,” he added.
Mosimane, who had to make changes up front without talis- mans Khama Billiat, revealed that Tiyani Mabunda, among others, may miss out. In contrast, defender Wayne Arendse could make his first appearance since March.
“Tiyani might not make it, Siyanda Zwane is on a fast for religious purposes. After Fares Hachi and Bangaly Soumahoro who fasted, it was not easy … that is the challenge that we have. Wayne is okay, he was training and doing well. Hopefully there’s a chance for him to play.”
The quarterfinal stages are scheduled for September, meaning Downs will finally have a minute to catch their breath – an idea “Jingles” and Co are particularly looking forward to.