‘Awkward’ team could flatten Sundowns

Johannesburg - If there is one side capable of sending Mamelodi Sundowns packing, Maritzburg Untied is it.

Pitso Mosimane has dismissed talk of a David versus Goliath clash in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup match at Harry Gwala Stadium.

Mosimane believes United are difficult opponents.

“Maritzburg are a very awkward team. So awkward, it’s not funny‚” he said.

“They play in their own way. I thought the coach of Napoli (Maurizio Sarri) has his own way of playing. I thought Pep (Guardiola) and (Jose) Mourinho did. But I give Fadlu Davids respect for playing the way he plays. I tried to find a team that plays the way he plays‚ and I’ve never found one in the world.

“Their Belgian striker (Andréa Fileccia) operates from the wing and sometimes they play five at the back.”

Having said that, Mosimane still thinks his players should be able to come out unscathed and book a place in the final.

“Talk is cheap, though. Let’s go there and do the job on the field. It’s going to be a difficult game for both teams. I hope the pitch is in good condition because if it rains, it becomes heavy and difficult to play.”

Mosimane says United will be fresher than Sundowns players, who played midweek.

The two teams will meet again in a league encounter three days later at the same stadium.

Sundowns’ utility midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi said they would take it one game at a time.

“We are not going to think ahead of ourselves. We want both because we are hungry for success,” he said.

The player was booed by a section of Sundowns supporters after missing a goal on Wednesday.

He said he was not bothered by the boo boys.

“If anything, it motivates me to do better. I know I can’t please all the people, but I will work hard to make them happy.

“It is a challenge and I like it. If they boo me, it means they expect more from me. All I do is switch off and go into a different zone. It is a motivation and an encouragement,” said Vilakazi.

United knocked Sundowns out of the MTN8 tournament earlier in the season, and their league encounter was very close, with the Brazilians narrowly winning it.

This promises to be a cracker of a game as both sides play an entertaining brand of football.