Modisane: It’s a great challenge, but there’s no pressure on All Stars

CAPE TOWN ALL STARS coach Patrick Mabedi has been vocal that tonight’s last 32 Nedbank Cup clash against PSL log leaders Wits at Athlone Stadium (7.30pm kickoff) is an opportunity for his players to gain some exposure and experience.

There aren’t too many wellknown footballers in the NFD team – but, as the weekend has proven, top-flight clubs disrespect and under-rate lower-tier teams at their own peril. The players may not be household names, but they have quality and ability, and, above all, they have the desire and hunger.

While All Stars find themselves in a mid-table position on the NFD standings, it is worth noting that they are on a six-game unbeaten run, during which they have not conceded a goal. If anything, they are difficult to break down – and, no doubt, they’ll be looking to use that same defensive structure to keep Wits at bay tonight.

Goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku is backed by a solid defence comprising of the experienced Howard Davids, Msekeli Mvalo and Gerald Modisane.

“It’s a great challenge, but there is no pressure on us,” said Modisane. “We need to make sure that we don’t give them space. We should allow them no time on the ball and we have to mark them very tightly, especially at set-pieces.

“But we plan to surprise them. We know where they are weak and where they are strong.

“We know what to expect from them, but they do not know much about us. In football, it’s always possible to cause an upset because, when we go on to the field, we do not know what the result will be. We are positive, the spirit in the team is good and we are ready.”

A likely battle-field which will be key to the outcome of this Cup tie is in central midfield.

Wits are able to call on some top-class names in this department like Granwald Scott (pictured), Xola Mlambo, Thabang Monare and Ben Motshwari, but it’s also here where All Stars have one of their most influential players in Mlungusi Mbunjana.

A powerful, combative midfield enforcer Mbunjana was last year considered good enough to earn a place in the Bafana Bafana African Nations Championship squad. He’s got quality – and, if he is able to get the better of Wits’ hard men, then All Stars could have more than a sniff of victory.

In attack, the Capetonians can look to Lesvin Stoffels, a former Milano United striker and Linda Bhengu, who is on loan from AmaZulu. Bhengu is the younger brother SuperSport United’s Phumelele ‘”Ace” Bhengu.

All Stars, in fact, have two Wits players in their squad – both on loan – in Paseka Sekese and Abednigo Mosiatlhaga, but both are ineligible to play. According to the structure of their loan contract, they cannot be played against their employers, Wits.