After playing to a 2-2 draw against Cape Town Spurs away from home last weekend, the Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Team will be on home ground this weekend to host the KwaZulu-Natal side, Amazulu. Despite dropping points this past weekend, it will be a win or burst situation for the Brazilians, knowing that the three points are important to stretch their lead on the log.
Speaking to head coach Themba Badela ahead of the home game, he said that to prepare for the encounter, his side has been training like they lost the previous game.
“We made a lot of mistakes in the previous game. Most were technical errors, nothing tactical. We had technical errors in our build-ups. The pitch was also not the best but we can’t use that as an excuse. I also feel we could have recognised earlier that we had to change our build-up structure early. By the time we recognised it we were 2-0 down. The boys displayed a good fight, to come from 2-0 down to draw the game 2-2. It feels like a loss because we felt like we could have came back home with three points, but we still keep going. We always play to win, that’s why we are a little bit disappointed, and the team has been training like a team that lost a game, which is a positive for us,” he said.
“Training has been very good. We did regeneration on Monday after we picked up some knocks in Cape Town. We have got one more day just to make sure that the players are sharp,” he continued.
Masandawana are going head-to-head with an Amazulu side that have lost six games, drew one and won two so far this season. Even with their statistics and log standings, the Diski Team coach said they respect their counterparts and will not underestimate them.
“We have already looked at the opposition. We are playing against a very good team that is improving a lot game by game. We have to first respect the opponent by preparing well for the game, watch the opposition, look at their strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
Coach Themba concluded by giving an injury update on Thando Buthelezi, who sustained a minor injury against Cape Town Spurs, after netting a brace that saw Downs levelling matters and returning home with a point. He said: I spoke to the doctor and he is doing very well. He should be okay by Saturday. He has not played this week, just to try and save him and make sure he is ready for the match on Saturday.
The Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Team do clash against the Amazulu Reserves on Saturday morning at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off time is 10H00.
