‘We don’t fear them’, Kaitano Tembo fires warning shots to Sundowns
Sekhukhune United head coach Kaitano Tembo insists they do not fear defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their DStv Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Zimbabwean coach, however, stressed the importance of respecting the Tshwane giants but not to fear them when the two teams meet at Peter Mokaba Stadium [3pm]
Sekhukhune is coming from a 1-0 defeat against PSL newbies Richards Bay who had an impressive start in their maiden season in DStv Premiership.
Babina Noko opened the season with 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United, followed by 1-0 victory against the struggling Golden Arrows.
The former SuperSport United mentor is of the belief that there’s no better way to respond to a defeat than going all out against the Masandawana who come from an emphatic 4-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs.
“We didn’t have much rest in between the previous three games but now I think we’ve had time to recover.
“It’s our fourth game of the league we also coming off a disappointing result against Richards Bay.
“So we looking to bounce back, there’s no doubt about Sundowns they are the champions, we need to prepare and give them respect but not to fear them,” the 58-year old tactician told the media.
🚨Starting XI🚨
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 20, 2022
⚽ Sekhukhune United Vs Mamelodi Sundowns
🏆 DStv Premiership
🏟 New Peter Mokaba Stadium #Sundowns #DStvPrem #HomeAwayFromHomeTour pic.twitter.com/4CRhKT9lgk
The Limpopo-based side is in their second season in the top flight after gaining promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the beginning of 2021/22 campaign.
The Simon Malatjie-owned team finished 11th of the log last season after winning eight games, drawing nine and losing in 13 outings.
The team made their intentions of wanting to improve clear by welcoming new faces in the squad.
Players signed in the off-season include former Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Linda Mntambo, Denwin Farmer, Wonderboy Makhubu, Badra Ali Sangare, Victor Letsoalo, Tashreeq Morris, Katlego Mkhabela, Thamsanqa Masiya, Lesego Sebetlela, Ellias Mokwana, Tshepo Mokhabi, Abednego Mosiatlhaga, Tresor Yamba, Daniel Cardoso and Siphokashe Ntiya-Ntiya who have joined from Amakhosi after their contracts were not renewed.
Both teams will be looking to collect all the three points when they face off at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.