Daniels’ inside take on Downs may be up Celtic’s alley

CLAYTON Daniels knows more than most about the attacking talent of Mamelodi Sundowns and their individual strengths.

But for the Bloemfontein Celtic captain knowledge is one thing, and stopping perhaps the most gifted attacking force in the Premier Soccer League is another.

That is what the former Brazilian will have to do when the sides faceoff in their league clash at Loftus tonight, a crucial game for both.

Sundowns might be chasing the league title, but for Celtic a place in the top eight is just as vital.

“Both teams will be fired up to get the three points and failure will be a setback,” said Daniels. “That should make it an exciting game. They have some of the best players in the league – Khama Billiat, Anthony Laffor, Cuthbert Malajila – they are great attackers who can hurt.

“We will have to be at our best – carry on making it hard to break us down and stick to our structures.”

Celtic have lost only one of their 13 matches in 2014, a 3-0 reversal at Kaizer Chiefs in February.

Seven wins and five draws is testament to the organisation that coach Ernst Middendorp has brought to the side since joining last October. It will be severely tested against a rampant Sundowns.

“We have one of the best coaches in South Africa with his tactical knowledge and his mentality. That has made a big difference and we are starting to move in the direction we want.”

Celtic are coming off a 1-0 success at home to Platinum Stars on Sunday and want back-toback wins for the first time since February. Daniels said slugging it out with Dikwena and coming out on top was a big boost. “It was a tough game and we needed it for our top eight ambition. Psychologically we are on a high and there is plenty of confidence, even if we know we face one of the top teams in the country.

“We want to prove how much we have improved and how far we have come, and a win over Sundowns would be the perfect way to do that.”

Celtic will be without their midfielder Musa Nyatama, who cannot play because he is on loan from Sundowns for the season. Nyatama is joint top scorer for Celtic this season along with Malawian Frank Mhango, with seven goals each in all competitions.