Following Tuesday’s draw against Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns will now be turning their attention to preparations for the MTN8 semi-finals against Durban-based side Lamontville Golden Arrows. The first leg of the highly-anticipated clash is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 28 August at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. Abafana Besthende became the first team to advance to the MTN8 semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over SuperSport United in the first round of the tournament. Masandawana followed suit with a successful penalty shoot-out of their own against Kaizer Chiefs to set up the clash in the last 4.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Rulani Mokwena spoke to how the team has started the season and how The Brazilians are yet to hit top gear: “Going into the Chiefs match we anticipated that it would take us five or six games before we hit top gear. Our performances so far have shown that we were correct. We are trying to work in a very systematic way and trying to be a bit scientific about how we go about the season because our form guide informed us that after a good start we had a dip in form towards the end of the season. To try and find a little bit more consistency we altered the way we are working.”
Masandawana meet Abafana Bes’thende in the first of two legs, with the opening meeting being an away trip to Kwa-Zulu Natal. Coach Rulani spoke about the team’s preparations ahead of facing the tricky Lamontville outfit who placed third in the league last year: “It’s not easy [to prepare], traditionally Arrows have had a very distinctive way of playing, and I think it’s its synonymous with how they are known as ‘Abafana Bes’thende’, they play with a little bit of exuberance and play a little bit off the cuff.”
“Even when they try to have some organisational forms, they still try to maintain the flair and the expressive abilities of their players and sometimes that’s where it can be a little difficult to prepare. They’ve got a very good team and a very good coach with a good assistant. They counter-press very well and their fullbacks are very important, they average about eighteen crosses into the box, so it’s a team where we know what to expect, but controlling that is the most difficult thing in football.”
Coach Rulani also briefly touched on the injury news within the team: “We had a rest day yesterday as we travelled from PE and the players who needed medical attention received it. [Regarding] the players that were left behind, we still as of yet have not received information about their readiness, they will be assessed by our medical department.”
Mamelodi Sundowns take on Golden Arrows in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday afternoon at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. The match kicks-off at 15:00 and will be broadcast on SuperSport.
Good day Mamelodi Sundowns ladies you really made us very proud. Please keep up with the good jod that you are doing.Mamelodi Sundowns ladies coach we are watching you six goal triller next time we will want you to represent the men Mamelodi Sundowns we want that six goal triller not 0-0 goal with Chippa United built two weeks ago buy Gavin Hunt. Mamelodi Sundowns coaches talking is cheap we want six goals no penulty shoot out agaisnt Golden Arrows ladies has proved that six goal triller is achievable.
Hola masandawana, I just hope those three coaches read this comments from supporters, because if they do they will change what ever madness they are planning Caz is going to make us fools this season with all good players we have
Will only take you serious when you win convincingly tomorrow.
I for one very tired of being fed football theory that does not translate to results
I have not seen what has been done during pre season, I don’t even have hope that you will do half of what you say you want to do interms of playing philosophy.