Mosimane fears Chiefs backlash
DOWNS COACH: WE ARE AWARE IT WILL BE DIFFICULT
Komphela’s men desperate to get back to winning ways.
Pitso Mosimane is wary of a wounded Kaizer Chiefs, as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to resume their Absa Premiership campaign against Amakhosi on Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld.
Chiefs head into the game with criticism of coach Steve Komphela on the rise again following a defeat to Baroka FC before the international break. Chiefs also have a spate of injuries, with rightback Kgotso Moleko the latest player to be ruled out with a long-term injury.
“It is a bit difficult for us, playing them after they lost to Baroka,” said Mosimane yesterday, however, as Sundowns announced a three-year sponsorship deal with car manufacturer Hyundai.
“I have seen a lot of correspondence from Chiefs that they need to turn it around, and that this is the time they need to stop conceding, and all those things, so we are aware it will be difficult, but irrespective of that it is always a big game (against Chiefs).”
Tuesday’s game could well see George Lebese take to the field for Sundowns, against the side he left to join Masandawana at the start of this season. The Sundowns coach does not feel that playing his former club will affect Lebese on the day.
“Players like George and Oupa (Manyisa) have played in the derby, there is no excuses there. That is why we gave George the first penalty against Wydad Casablanca (in the Caf Champions League quarterfinals), he has been under the stress and pressure of playing. I hope he does well, but I hope he doesn’t personalise it, I hope he just enjoys the game.”
Mosimane has a good record against Komphela, though he did lose their last league meeting, a 2-1 win for Chiefs at the FNB Stadium, with Bangaly Soumahoro’s own goal proving decisive.
“When you put it like that (about the rivalry between him and Komphela), it is a bit personal – it is not about that,” said Mosimane.
“The teams are bigger than us, so I don’t think you can take it to that level. As coaches if you say it on stats or facts (that my record is better), then maybe, but I don’t know, they won the last match and you are only as good as your last game.”