Mokwena faces tough decision
Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena wants to win every game, but with the Champions League now a major part of their itinerary, he might have to field a weaker squad in other competitions – something TAB soccer players need to keep in mind.
By Mark Gleeson
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena insisted again at the weekend his club was out to win every game played, irrespective of the competition.
Although this is a bold statement, few can argue that there is a distinct possibility of Mokwena achieving his goal, as his team are on a record-breaking spree of 15 successive victories in the league.
Their stellar performance is the result of a well-drilled team, high on confidence, with superior fitness and skills and with tactics ever changing to meet the demands of the game.
But as every winning coach will tell you, consistent team selection is also key.
Mokwena, however, might find it hard to resist the temptation to dramatically alter his line-up for tonight’s Nedbank Cup tie against Richards Bay, offering the possibility of an upset result.
The reason is that he has to rest key players ahead of the much more important Champions League group tie against Al Hilal of Sudan at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Champions League remains the top priority for Sundowns, who have thrown massive resources at strengthening their squad in a bid to become continental champions.
Last season they set a new record in the group phase, when they took 16 out of a possible 18 points from their six matches, including beating the mighty Al Ahly of Egypt both home and away.
Surprisingly, they then flopped in the quarter-final, paying the price for underrating Petro Atletico.
They will be looking to make up for that this year and will be focusing heavily on starting the group competition on a positive note against Al Hilal.
But first they must overcome a difficult Richards Bay. It will be their second clash in a month, following the 2-0 win for Sundowns in Durban over the topflight rookies on 6 January.
The weekend action is dominated by the Nedbank Cup fixtures with a tricky trip for Kaizer Chiefs to take on Maritzburg United in their first-round tie and a possible further blow for struggling Cape Town City as they host Royal AM on Sunday.
City have lost their last two games and need some fresh ideas if they are to avoid another setback. They lost at the same stage of last year’s competition to the same team.
Stellenbosch FC are home to Swallows FC on Saturday, but it is a game overshadowed by the violent stabbing death of promising youngster Oshwin Andries, and Stellenbosch seeking a postponement as their players deal with the tragedy.