Be wary of ‘brave’ Birds

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Rulani Mokwena is wary of a “brave” Swallows FC side with that “winning feeling”, as the two teams lock horns in a top-of-the-table DStv Premiership clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium today.

The Birds have surprised as the closest challengers to defending champions Masandawana at this stage of the season, with the sides tied on 26 points from 12 games, two clear of third-placed SuperSport United.

Both teams have identical records, with seven wins and five draws, unbeaten thus far in the 2020/21 campaign.

“The opposition is good, they have the winning momentum. If you win in the NFD, (Swallows won last season’s GladAfrica Championship) then you come to the PSL (Premiership) with that winning feeling. The experience of winning matches and trophies is important,” said Mokwena, ahead of this afternoon’s match.

“We’ll have to work extremely hard. Without playing well and being extremely strategic we know we have no chance,” he added.

“They have nothing to lose, that is why they play with so much freedom and bravery, and why the coach can make decisions that are courageous.

“The team has a clear profile and a basic organisational structure – a 4-2-3-1 that transforms into 2-3-4-1, with aggressive wingers who are quick and able to get behind and deliver crosses. They have a strong and stable three in midfield, and inverted full backs, who are able to build up from the back, and centre backs who are comfortable on the ball too.

Ruzaigh Gamildien (above) has been the star in attack for Swallows, with nine goals in 12 matches, and will hope to capitalise on any defensive lapses by Sundowns.

Sundowns also need to improve an attack that has drawn a blank in successive goalless draws in their last two outings.