Beware Celtic backlash, says Downs man

Bloemfontein Celtic will not allow off-field problems to distract them when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in Wednesday night’s Premier Soccer League match at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Brazilians right-back Thapelo Morena said.

Morena does not believe his former team will allow themselves to be affected by the ongoing saga of debt-ridden Celtic owner Max Tshabalala’s attempted sale of the club.

Tshabalala‚ believed to be in debt of between R60m and R70m‚ is looking for new buyers after a deal fell through last month‚ amid player strikes and signing-on fees not being paid.

“It’s going to be a difficult game for us because we really need the three points‚” Morena‚ the speedy fullback who joined Sundowns from Celtic in August 2016‚ said.

“Celtic have also been having challenges – the ones we’ve been reading about in the newspapers.

“But I don’t think they will take that to the game.

“They are going to be motivated that they’re playing Sundowns and give their best.

“We can take points off a team near the top, but it will be difficult because they also want to stay on top.

“The chances they get they do their all to finish. That’s the main area they’ve been working on.

“Their centrebacks and their wingbacks like to go up.

“We know how good someone like Lantshene Phalane is with his distribution and going forward.

“But we also know their weaknesses and what to do to create opportunities.”

Downs coach Pitso Mosimane went on a buying spree this season to replace outgoing stars Khama Billiat and Percy Tau with quality new arrivals such as Toni Sylva‚ Phakamani Mahlambi and Lebohang Maboe.

Sundowns are in seventh place with two wins and three draws. –