Pitso happy with ‘effective’ Downs

‘WE COULD HAVE SCORED MORE GOALS’ Brazilians next welcome Chippa United.

Pitso Mosimane praised his “effective” Mamelodi Sundowns after they reached the Nedbank Cup semifinals with a 2-1 win at Cape Town City on Sunday afternoon.

Masandawana may not have been at their sizzling best at all times against Benni McCarthy’s City, but they struck when it mattered in the second half. Percy Tau netted after a blistering counter-attack, and Hlompho Kekana blasted in a trademark long-ranger, which meant Surprise Ralani’s strike for City was only a consolation.

“They were more on the ball but we were more effective, we could have scored three goals in the first half,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV after the game. “They build from the back … but we stole a lot of balls, we could have scored (more), we were just dilly-dallying when we intercepted. But they (City) have a very good team. I am not surprised this team beat Pirates (in the previous round). They beat Wits (in the last-32). But we have a bit of experience.”

Sundowns will now take on Chippa United tomorrow evening, looking to keep their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership. The Brazilians currently have a one-point lead over Pirates, though they also have a game in hand on the Buccaneers.

Chippa picked up their first win under new coach Vladislav Heric in their last league match when they beat Free State Stars 1-0 at home, gaining revenge for their defeat to the same side in the Nedbank Cup last-16.

Despite a worrying tendency to hire and fire coaches like they are going out of fashion, Chippa have a decent chance to finish inside the top eight for the second time in three seasons. Chippa did manage a goalless draw with Sundowns when the two teams met in Port Elizabeth on November 25 in the first round.

Sundowns, however, seem to be finding a good vein of form, with four wins in their last five games in all competitions.