Friendly banter turns to war

CHIEFS, DOWNS SET FOR BATTLE

DURING their time in the Bafana Bafana camp this week, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs players were exchanging a friendly banter ahead of their Absa Premiership meeting at Loftus tomorrow (3.30pm). This was revealed by Sibusiso Vilakazi, who this time wants to do his talking on the pitch to help Sundowns overcome thirdplaced Amakhosi. Both teams were well represented in the Bafana side but now it’s back to PSL football where three points and bragging rights are at stake. “We only started talking about it [the game] after our game against Mozambique. Some of the guys said ‘we will see who is the better team’,” said Vilakazi. Vilakazi grew up wanting to be part of such big games and now that he has the opportunity. The former Bidvest Wits man cannot wait to get on the pitch tomorrow and deliver. “There’s always excitement when Sundowns and Chiefs meet. There’s a lot of expectations. Both teams have quality players, both want to play good football and both want to win. It will be an interesting game.”

Known to be one of the best finishers in the league, Vilakazi has not quite found his scoring boots since joining Sundowns, who are second from bottom on the standings. But he’s not putting himself under pressure.

“I think I have done well to contribute to the team. Getting goals will happen. There’s no pressure,” Vilakazi said.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, meanwhile, expressed his dissatisfaction at the Bafana technical team for playing midfielder Tiyani Mabunda for 90 minutes against both Senegal and Mozambique.

“How can he play two games? It compromises me. So I don’t think Mabunda will play against Chiefs. They must manage the load and rotate them,” Mosimane said.

He said he could give Colombian striker Leonardo Castro “20 minutes” after he recovered from an ankle injury.