Downs fringe players urged to join the fray
Vilakazi injury forces Jingles to juggle
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane has challenged some of his fringe players to pitch in as the team looks to overcome setbacks. The current Sundowns is not the same as the team that won the Premiership a few months ago, having lost Percy Tau, Khama Billiat and now playmaker Sibusiso Vilakazi for the entire season through injury.
Vilakazi suffered an achilles rapture with Bafana Bafana a fortnight ago, which led to Downs assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi questioning Safa about what transpired. It will now be up to the likes of Toni Silva, Lebohang Maboe, Andile Jali and Phakamani Mahlambi to stake their claim. Mosimane conceded that the new players were still finding their feet and the absence of Vilakazi offers them the opportunity.
“It’s sad. He [Vilakazi] was just getting there. But it’s a professional sport and injuries are there. It gives others a chance to play,” Mosimane said in the aftermath of Sundowns 1-0 Telkom Knockout first round win over Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday. Gaston Sirino scored the only goal at Atteridgeville’s Lucas Moripe Stadium. “Unfortunately he [Vilakazi] will miss the Champions League. We use the Telkom Knockout to prepare for the CAF. But we have new players, as long as we keep winning, it will gel.” Mosimane was away last week in Morocco to attend a course for the CAF Pro Licence qualification. Mngqithi was in charge of the team. He praised his staff for being on top of their game.
“I have to give credit to my technical team. It’s good to be surrounded by quality. I always boast about having the best technical team in Africa. “I can take you head on. It’s boys from the township ... I like my bench, it represents the country.” Elsewhere in the knockout this weekend, an early goal by Simon Murray got Bidvest Wits a 1-0 win at Free State Stars as the defending champs progressed to quarterfinals. There were wins too for Baroka and Maritzburg United, who beat Golden Arrows and Highlands Park respectively to qualify. Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 1-0.