Pitso’s balancing act as Barca clash looms

Michaelson Gumede

Pitso Mosimane (right) is uncertain if he will field a strong side or not in Mamelodi Sundowns’ final Absa Premiership game of the season against Bloemfontein Celtic at Dr Molemela Stadium in the City of Roses this afternoon.

There is still a lot to be sorted out in the league table, with Celtic right in the heat of the battle for a place in next season’s MTN8. Sundowns, however, are already champions, sealing the deal in their last league game at home to Ajax Cape Town. Mosimane’s men will be presented with the trophy after today’s match.

“I am not sure about who will play, we will see. I will have to look after Sundowns. Somewhere, somehow we have to be a bit less selfish and probably give the other guys a chance,” said Mosimane.

“The Celtic game is not our priority but it is our pride and integrity so that is neither here or there. We have to do what we have to because we have always respected our opponents, but if the team is a little bit altered, then ... it is part of life,” the coach added.

Mosimane is also well aware of fair play, in the sense that there is some business yet to be concluded in the form of who makes the cut for next season’s MTN8, and who will fall into the promotion play-offs to face Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards.

“You really don’t want to end on a bad note and you also have to respect the other teams that are fighting for the top eight and the relegation because now people will say why you are putting out a second team,” he added.

Mosimane, meanwhile, sounded a relieved man after Caf agreed to postpone their Champions League match against Guinean outfit Horoya, which was set to take place on Tuesday, a night before they face Spanish champions Barcelona in a friendly match.

“It gives us an opportunity to respect football and try and play a proper team (against Celtic) … but the friendly game is there on Wednesday also, so you’ve got to manage the legs,” said the Sundowns coach.