The Citizen (Gauteng)

Pitso: This is the ultimate derby

PULSATING: SUNDOWNS, SUPERSPORT SERVE UP A FEAST

- Michaelson Gumede

Tinkler’s strugglers give as good as they get at Lucas Moripe.

Pitso Mosimane branded the Tshwane derby between his Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United as “the best” local derby and went on to laud their 1-1 Absa Premiershi­p draw on Saturday as “the match of the season”.

“For me this is the best derby on the pitch. On the grandstand­s it is not the biggest derby. The Tshwane people must come and watch the derby because it is a good game. This is top football. It is the best display you can ever have. It is probably one of the best games you’ve watched and it is probably the game of the season,” said Mosimane.

“Unlike giving a lukewarm game, you need to give it your best and go for it and if you don’t win then you don’t win. I went for it,” he added.

Masandawan­a had to come back from a goal to salvage a point in their bid for league honours as they sit at the summit of the Premiershi­p on 40 points.

Thabo Mnyamane gave struggling SuperSport the lead in the first half, but Percy Tau fired home the equaliser late on.

Although they went in as favourites to walk away with all three points, Mosimane was pleased with his team’s efforts.

“I cannot sulk, the guys gave everything. I am yet to see a team that plays like this, maybe I love my team too much, but we punch holes behind 10 defenders.”

Equally pleased was Matsatsant­sa mentor Eric Tinkler, whose side are chasing a top eight finish.

“I was very happy with the performanc­e from the team, I feel it was fantastic and that was what was most important for me. Yes, we would’ve loved to have walked away with all three points but I think what we saw was a good game of football and congratula­tions to both teams,” said Tinkler.

“Realistica­lly we have to finish in the top eight. In my mind I believe we can’t accept anything less than that. Where we finish in the top eight will depend on the results but that has to be our prime objective,” he concluded.

 ?? Picture: Gallo Images ?? BIG STATEMENT. Pitso Mosimane has said the Tshwane derby between Sundowns and SuperSport United is the biggest in the country.
Picture: Gallo Images BIG STATEMENT. Pitso Mosimane has said the Tshwane derby between Sundowns and SuperSport United is the biggest in the country.

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