Mamelodi Sundowns sole mission is to win games, according to the Brazilians’ midfielder Bathusi Aubaas, who has issued a warning to Sekhukhune United.
Sundowns host Sekhukhune in a DStv Premiership encounter at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday night. The match gets under way at 7.30pm.
Masandawana returned to South Africa early on Monday morning following their long trip from CAF Champions League duties against Esperance in Tunisia, where they lost the semifinal first leg 1-0 at the weekend.
Due to their congested schedule, Aubaas admitted that they have not had time for a training session, but rather have focused on recovery and video analysis of the opposition.
“We arrived around midnight [on Monday], and we have been doing recovery and regeneration, something that is the protocol of the team,” Aubaas said.
“We didn’t have time on our side [for a training session], so we really needed the recovery and regeneration as a team. We were busy with video analysis and focused on our final preparation.
“But regarding the match against Sekhukhune, I think the team is ready.”
Good run of form
The former TS Galaxy star said they are aware of a threat that Sekhukhune pose, singling out their captain, Linda Mntambo, as a man to look out for.
Aubaas warned that despite Babina Noko enjoying a good run of form, Sundowns’ job is to always win matches.
“Sekhukhune has been doing well. Their captain, Linda Mntambo, is one of the players to look out for because he had a long spell out due to injury but came back to do well for his team.
“I think in their last five games, they won two and drew three, so they have been doing very well.
“So, I will not say we’ll undermine them, but as Mamelodi Sundowns, we go into games to do our job, and our job is to win.”
Aubaas called on the Yellow Nation to come out in big numbers and pack the stadium, saying they aim to return to winning ways in the league.
Attitude will determine the outcome
McDonald Makhubedu, an assistant coach for Babina Noko, stated that since both teams are in good form, the outcome of the game will depend on who has the best attitude.
“It is going to be a difficult game against a good side, but we are also doing well in the league because of our hard work,” Makhubedu said.
“We are both in top form, and that is going to make it difficult for both teams because there will be too much talent on the pitch.
“It is two well-coached teams, and it will be a good battle. Whoever brings a good attitude and work rate will get the three points.
“We are at a stage in the campaign where it is not the time to drop points.”
