Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe is adamant that they will manage without key players when they take on TS Galaxy in the Carling Black Label Knockout opener at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday night.
Themba Zwane, Mothobi Mvala, Tebogo Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams are all on national duty with Bafana Bafana.
They had been selected for international friendly matches against Eswatini last Friday and Ivory Coast on Tuesday night. Bafana drew both matches.
The Brazilians have a busy schedule ahead, as they will also be taking part in the inaugural African Football League tournament at the weekend.
Ahead of the encounter, Lebohang Maboe said the team has enough firepower to move to the next round of the Carling Black Label Knockout competition.
“We have a very tight schedule, but I think when you sign up for such a big club, you have to be ready all the time,” Maboe said.
“Whenever the coach needs you, you just have to help the team. Everyone that is available for selection is ready to perform and help the team to qualify for the next round.
“We always go into matches with the intention to win, and knowing that it’s a cup game, I think it is important to finish in 90 minutes.”
The 29-year-old midfielder also touched on the threat that Galaxy pose upfront, singling out Mlungisi Mbunjana, Lindokuhle Mbatha, and former Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic.
In hindsight, the absence of Rulani Mokwena’s most trusted soldiers will grant an opportunity for other players to shine.
The Rockets are one of the two teams alongside SuperSport United that gave Masandwana a taste of their own medicine when they beat them 1-0 last season.
Galaxy and head coach Sead Ramovic will be looking to the game for inspiration, and with an intention to cause an upset by knocking out the Brazilians out of the competition.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
