Team of Choice up for Downs clash
MARITZBURG United went through a barren run of eight matches without a victory after succumbing to Supersport United in the semi-final of the MTN 8 earlier in the season and Fadlu Davids doesn’t want to suffer the same pain.
United host Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup this afternoon at Harry Gwala Stadium at 3pm, with the winner going through to the final in Cape Town on May 19.
The Team of Choice are at a critical phase of their season. They are on the verge of clinching a place in the Caf Confederation Cup and are playing in their maiden cup final.
“We have to learn from the previous semi-final where we lost to Supersport,” says Davids. “We had an advantage of an away goal (the first leg ended 1-1) and were flying high and enjoying a good start in the league but we lost 2-0 here at Harry Gwala.
“It is a similar situation and let’s hope the players use the disappointment of that experience and manage this game a lot better.
Pressure
“We have to apply ourselves accordingly and approach the game like a normal match. We can’t put too much pressure on ourselves, as we’re a young team. The pressure sometimes gets too much for them. Besides Bevan Fransman and Siyanda Xulu, for some of the players this is only their second semifinal of their careers.
“It is a big occasion for them but we must approach it like a normal game and it is 11 versus 11. We have to do the business on the pitch,” Davids explained.
Sundowns have been lethal and ruthless in front of goals so how will United stop them?
Davids is prepared to fight fire with fire: “You can’t mark Percy Tau because then you are giving space to Vilakazi (Sibusiso), you are opening space for Sirino (Gaston) or Themba Zwane coming through the channels.
“It is a collective and it is a team effort. We are at home and we should try to play our own game, and try and dominate.
“There are going to be circumstances where we are forced to defend which is normal when you are playing a team like Sundowns. But then we have to use spaces in our attack wisely.”
United are searching for their maiden silverware in top flight football.
“Our top 8 in the league is secured but we would love to make the cup final.”
Sundowns will be without their captain Hlompo Kekana who is suspended after accumulating his fourth yellow card.
“Sundowns are not only a quality attacking side but their defensive structures are also good. They are such a well-oiled machine in all departments. Hlompo Kekana is out but they still have Oupa Manyisa. The quality is still there.
“They’ve got depth not only on the bench but also in the stands. It is a complete team we are facing.
“There’s a difference between the two squads but on the day it will just be 11 versus 11 and we will do our best to progress.” said Davids who has huge respect for Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.
“Sundowns are a fantastic side. They are a well-oiled machine. What Pitso has done over these five years has been phenomenal. Not only getting success but maintaining that success.”