Former Mamelodi Sundowns left-back, Jethro Mohlala, has urged the team to curtail their errors in anticipation of their final group match against Fluminense today (Wednesday, June 25).
The encounter at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami against Fluminense, who currently lead Group F with 4 points, is imperative to win. A draw could potentially result in the Brazilians exiting the competition.
This is contingent upon whether the second-placed Borussia Dortmund secures victory or achieves a draw against the group’s underperformers, Ulsan Hyundai, the team that was beaten 1-0 by Sundowns in their opening match.
Exceptional game against Dortmund
“Sundowns exhibited exceptional football against Dortmund. And the fact that they succeeded in scoring three goals serves as ample evidence. They matched their opponents in every regard.
“While we acknowledge that football is inherently a game fraught with errors, they ought to have performed more admirably in that encounter against Dortmund.
“It is for this reason that I advise them to minimise their lapses while sustaining the same commendable performance in their forthcoming match,” Mohlala articulated.
The former Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender currently works as a mineworker. He has singled out Divine Lunga as one of the Brazilians’ dynamic talents not to be underestimated.
“Lunga is truly exceptional on the field. And the fact that he consistently enhances his performance in every match should not go unrecognised,” said the 50-year-old.
Concern over SA fans
Mohlala, who hails from Alexandra, Johannesburg, has voiced his discontent with South African fans. They frequently express negativity whenever Sundowns falter in these prestigious tournaments.
“It is imperative that supporters learn to rally behind teams competing in both continental and Fifa competitions. They not only represent their respective clubs but also the entire nation,” Mohlala implored.
Currently positioned third with three points, Sundowns find themselves trailing Dortmund and Fluminense. Thy occupy second and first place with four points each.
And they will approach their forthcoming match against Fluminense nursing the wounds of a narrow 4-3 defeat to Dortmund last Sunday. The trio of goals was netted by Lucas Ribeiro, Ingraam Rayners, and Lebo Mothiba.
