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It is hard to predict an outcome when two in-form sides, Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United, meet. It’s Wafa Wafa!
Both stars are a marvel to watch, as they play an entertaining brand of football. In fact, theirs is a free-flowing style that has captivated local followers.
Under Dan Malesela, the Chilly Boys have been too hot to handle and if they continue their giant-killing spree, they might be the surprise package of the football season.
For this reason, any side coming up against them may face a banana skin situation.
It is not often that Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane concedes a weakness.
But for the first time in ages, Mosimane has confessed that his team will come second best – on ball possession – when they play Chippa United in the first leg of the MTN8 this afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
However, Mosimane was quick to point out that ball possession does not win you matches.
“I know they will beat us on ball possession because they are good at that, but we will hurt them where it matters most – goals. We will score there, and make life easier for ourselves when we play at home,” said Mosimane.
With the semifinals a two-legged affair, an away goal could determine the outcome of the games.
Mosimane has a great deal of respect for Malesela and calls him a student of the game.
“Look at how they play, they are a marvel to watch – good on the eye and entertaining. He has really transformed the side and the players are free to do what they want. And this is because of the coach.”
Mosimane believes he has done his homework on the Chilly Boys and knows exactly how they will approach the game.
He singled out the likes of Thamsanqa Sangweni, Rhulani Manzini, Buyani Sali and Thembinkosi Lorch as players his side should pay attention to.
Sundowns will be without Colombian striker Leonardo Castro, who has been ruled out for about six weeks after an ankle injury sustained in a game against SuperSport United.
But even without the C in CBD (Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly), Sundowns should still be too hot to handle for their opponents.
Sibusiso Vilakazi started life at Sundowns on a high note after scoring on his debut, and another new recruit, Yannick Zakri, should take up the striking position.
But they will come up against a smooth-sailing Chippa, who are looking to stamp their authority on local football. Malesela has already said he wants to go all the way to the final. The much-anticipated clash should go down to the wire.
