Mosimane rails against match schedule

Pitso Mosimane (right) has described tomorrow’s MTN8 semifinal, first leg against Cape Town City as a “thorn in the flesh”, saying the competition comes at a time when Sundowns’ schedule is tight.

Downs drew 0-0 with Highlands Park on Wednesday night and will have to travel to the Mother City to face Benni McCarthy’s side tomorrow, three days before they host AC Horoya in a go-big-or-go-home Caf Champions League tie on Tuesday.

“This game is a thorn in the flesh because it falls between the league and Champions League. There are things people don’t understand, they just look at the game. There are things like the mood, temperament and the players’ emotions,” said Mosimane.

“In the league game a draw is still okay because we still have 27 games to catch up ... it is a different mood and emotion when you are playing a semifinal in the cup because you know that you want to be in the final and it is also a different mood when you know the Horoya game is a win at all costs scenario,” he added.

Sundowns have to beat Horoya to reach the Champions League quarterfinals.

Mosimane continued: “You have to understand how the playThe ers feel and how we apply the programme. It is not the tactics and the technique. It is the mood and how it is affected by the results.”

Mosimane may not have the MTN8 high on his list of priorities, but he would welcome the R8 million prize money should he guide his team to glory.

“If we talk about the top eight, financially it is a good tournament because we don’t have to play 30 games to win R10 million, we play four games to win R8 million. Who am I to tell the players what is right for them and what is not right for them?” said Mosimane, before adding that he may be forced to field a less familiar looking Sundowns side.

“We are going to change the team. You can’t put the MTN8 semifinal first leg ahead of the Champions League game where it is vital to win. We still have another chance in the top eight here at home (in the second leg).”