Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says that the physical nature of their encounters against Orlando Pirates always ends up with their players suffering serious injuries.
Mokwena was speaking ahead of the Brazilians MTN8 final against Pirates which will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The two clubs are known for their bruising encounters, with a no holds barred kind of attitude. Two weeks ago, Sundowns edged the Buccaneers 1-0 in a league match that had the entire Mzansi football fraternity talking. Sundowns scored via a soft penalty after Themba Zwane’s foot was brushed by Siphelo Baloni in the penalty box.
Sundowns are seeking revenge for the 3-0 walloping Bucs inflicted on them in semi-finals of last year’s tournament. Pirates went on to win the competition and are the defending champions.
But this time around, Sundowns’ Mokwena will not underestimate the potential that the Buccaneers have to cause an upset for the second time.
“We understand the magnitude of the assignment and we have to go for it. They are very good opponents. We hope it will be a good of football without the harassment of referees and without the physicality and tackles that are over the top,” Mokwena said on Wednesday.
“Almost every game we lose a player with severe injuries when we play against Pirates. Like Haashim Domingo in the Carling Black Label Cup – Abubeker Nassir is still not here because of the situation with Siyabonga Mpontjane. In the last game Nkosinathi Sibisi took out Marcello Allende on the halfway line with a studs up, two footed tackle. Marcello has not really recovered from that. So, I am hoping for a game that does not have too much fouls but nice football and less about the handbags and fights and things on the periphery,” Mokwena added.
He also added that they are walking wounded with a lot of their players out injured. “The medical team and the rehab guys are working around the clock to get the guys ready and fit. This is very good from a sports science perspective. Sipho Mbule has a serious injury. Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko is doubtful, Bathusi Aubaas is out, Lesiba Nku is back and Lucas Ribeiro will do a late fitness test – the rest of the players are okay.
“We have to manage the situation as it is and I’m focused mainly on what is on the training pitch and what is available, it doesn’t help to focus on players not available,” he added.
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