The Mamelodi Sundowns will take another short trip to Tsakane Stadium on Saturday for their last match of the season against Moroka Swallows. They head to this encounter on the back of last weekend’s thrilling 1-0 victory away from home, which helped in keeping them in the race for the DStv Diski Challenge title.
“The mood at training has been very good. There has been lots of energy. We have come a long way as a team. It feels like the league just started yesterday and the team has made so much progress in a few months. Preparations have been going well and we are excited to play the last game together as a team because as you know, some of the players won’t be able to qualify to play next season. We are just making the most of the week,” coach Themba said, as he reflected on the progress his squad made.
Masandawana have had a successful season, having collected 63 points, 19 wins and 14 clean sheets in the 29 games they have played. This has put them in a position where they saw themselves contending for the title throughout the Reserves League. Coach Themba gave credence to his resilient charges for getting the team this far.
“All the credit must go to the players because they are the ones that have put the team in the position that we are in. We are excited to go to the last game of the season knowing we’ve got something to play for. That’s what we also want to develop in the players – to compete for things and play games of consequences – which will prepare them for when they go to the senior team,” he stated.
Heading to the return fixture against the Dube Birds, the Diksi Team coach stated that the mandate is to win the game, moreover, enjoy it. He believes the amount of work they have put in gearing up for this encounter can see them through on Saturday.
“It’s very simple, we have to try and play to win the game. We have already watched Swallows and they are a very good team. Don’t be fooled by the log, they defend very well and they are a team that has improved a lot over the last couple of weeks, so it’s going to be a very difficult game. It will be a little bit more difficult than it was we played them at Dobsonville Stadium. Even then, they gave us a lot of problems. We know that we have to be at our best and be as prepared as possible to try and give ourselves a chance to win the game, like we have done with the last 29 games,” he concluded.
The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team will do clash against the Moroka Swallows Reserves on Saturday morning at Tsakane Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 09H30, live on SuperSport TV.
