Pitso sets out his goal
MOSIMANE: IT WILL TAKE A BALANCING ACT FROM US AS WE STILL WANT TO DOMINATE IN AFRICA
Sundowns’ biggest hurdle is likely to be Bidvest Wits again.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has declared that he wants to win the MTN8, as he seeks to dominate again next season. The Brazilians finished last season without domestic silverware, but were crowned continental champions after winning both the Caf Champions League and the Caf Super Cup.
Mosimane is aware, however, that it will take a balancing act from him as he still wants to dominate in Africa as well.
“I think we should go one better than last year where we lost in the last match,” said Mosimane yesterday during the MTN8 official launch in Sandton. Sundowns will begin their domestic season against Maritzburg United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday and Mosimane knows it is a daunting task. He didn’t seem overly bothered, however, by the challenge posed from Fadlu Davids’ Team of Choice.
“We have a tough draw against Maritzburg. The problem however is not the first round but in the second where you play back- toback semifinals which clash with the Champions League,” he said.
Mosimane’s biggest rival in the local game could easily be Bidvest Wits’ Gavin Hunt, who beat him in the Wafa Wafa final and also pipped him to the Absa Premiership title.
With only a few players having left Wits, Hunt’s side still look a good bet for another fruitful season, especially after adding the experienced duo of Steven Pienaar and Daylon Classen to their arsenal.
“Yes, on paper we look good, but that doesn’t mean anything. Having guys like Steve and Daylon only shows the direction we want to take,” said Hunt yesterday.
Hunt will come up against Clinton Larsen’s Golden Arrows at Bidvest Stadium on Friday night and he said it is a hurdle they have to get over and see how far they can go.
“We have no pressure. The most important thing is get off to a good start on Friday and see where we are,” said Hunt.
In this weekend’s other MTN8 quarterfinals, Kaizer Chiefs will play SuperSport United on Saturday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City are at home to Polokwane City on Saturday afternoon.
Yes, on paper we look good, but that doesn’t mean anything.