Al-Hilal star Gerald Phiri: ‘We’ll respect Sundowns off the field only’
“But on the pitch, we are equal. We will be ready."
Al-Hilal Omdurman winger Gerald Phiri has hinted at their approach to the CAF Champions League clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Baroka playmaker, Gerald Phiri, says they must respect the DStv Premiership giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, but off the field of play only.
Sundowns will host the first leg of the CAF Champions League group clash. Al-Hilal arrived in SA on Tuesday morning.
WHY AL-HILAL MUST BALANCE RESPECT FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Gerald Phiri spoke to FARPost when asked about the Group B match against Sundowns on Saturday February 11 2023, in Pretoria.
The ex-Baroka attacker said Sundowns deserve respect because they are a big team.
However, Gerald Phiri called for balance between giving the Tshwane side respect on and off the field of play.
“We have to show respect to Sundowns outside the field of play because they are a big team,” said Phiri.
“But on the pitch, we are equal. We will be ready. We just have to be ready this time around. We also have the quality.”
TOP COACH FLORENT IBENGE TO FACE THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP GIANTS
The Malawian star says his remarks that Al-Hilal are ready do not stem from the fact that they have high-profile coach Florent Ibenge.
“It is not about the coach; it is about all of us,” Phiri said.
The ex-Bidvest Wits winger Phiri has since returned to training after a lengthy injury lay-off.
The Flames star says he was doubtful for the first leg match against Sundowns in South Africa.
“I would love to face Sundowns. I can play but I don’t want to rush it. I would be available, maybe, in the second leg against Al Ahly,” Phiri said.
“I can now train while continuing with a bit of rehabilitation.”
Phiri and company are now under the tutelage of Ibenge.
The Congolese coach moved to Sudan last year from Morocco where he led RS Berkane to the CAF Confederation Cup.
Berkane won the Confederation Cup after beating Orlando Pirates 5-4 on post-match penalties. The final took place in Nigeria.
Ibenge now hopes to improve Al-Hilal who were eliminated by Sundowns last year in the Champions League group stages.
HOW SUNDOWNS ELIMINATED AL-HILAL IN LAST MEETING
The Tshwane side beat the Sudanese 4-2 in Khartoum and 5-2 on aggregate over two legs.
This time around, Sundowns host Al-Hilal on February 11 2023. The Sudanese side welcomes Al Ahly seven days later.
Sundowns’ second game will be on the road to Cameroon against Coton Sport on February 17 2023.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns Champions League opponents Al Hilal end winless spell