Cup semi is a thorn in the flesh for Downs
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS coach Pitso Mosimane has described their MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash against last year’s finalists Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium, tomorrow, as a “thorn in the flash’’.
In a space of a week, the Brazilians have been involved in the PSL and Caf Champions League. On Wednesday, they played to goalless draw against Highlands Park in the league, while last Friday, they suffered a 1-0 away loss to reigning African champions Wydad Casablanca.
“This game for us is a thorn in the flesh,’’ Mosimane insisted.
“It falls between the league and continental football. People do not understand the mood and the temperament of the emotions of the players from the past three games. They have different outlines because you have to play a league game, where a draw can be okay, then a Cup semifinal where you target the finals and the mood again changes when you know that the Horoya AC game (in the Champions League) doesn’t give you a chance, but you have to win at all costs.’’
While Sundowns will be playing their third competitive match in a week, City would be competing in their second successive encounter at home since playing Golden Arrows last Saturday. As a result, Mosimane is wary of their organised structure and sufficient rest.
“It will be a game of chalk and cheese compared to what happened on Wednesday night,’’ he insisted. “They are a highly organised team. They play from the back and build up well. They are a good group of players that’s led by a good coach. It will not be easy at all.’’
Ever since Mosimane and his charges started performing in continental football four years ago, they’ve had little time to rehabilitate during the domestic close season as that normally marks the start of the Champions League quarter-finals. Their focus has been mainly to do well in the Champions League. It is then, by this margin, that the MTN 8 trophy is the only piece of silverware that’s missing in the Brazilians’ cabinet since the 54-year-old coach took over the reigns six years ago. However, booking this year’s semi-final spot has given the Chloorkop-based team some optimism that they can break the hoodoo.
“We are a very ambitious club at Mamelodi Sundowns because we want to compete in all the tournaments,’’ Mosimane explained. “It’s really difficult for us to have a go at it because of the commitments in Africa. But we have a chance now because we are in the semi-finals.’’
Mosimane also stressed that the financial rewards of winning the MTN8 is something that causes a division between players and coaches. In the tournament, you compete in four games and get R8million, while in the league it’s a different kettle of fish as you have to divide 30 games, home and away – and only get R10m.
“When you talk about top 8, financially, it’s a good tournament,’’ he insisted. “Who am I to tell players what is right for them and not? As much as we can shout on the touchlines and try to motivate them, they are humanbeings and they know what’s in for them. In terms of priority, it’s really tough. It’s deeper.’’