Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has identified Moroka Swallows’ players that can trouble the Tshwane giants when the two sides meet on Saturday in the MTN8 quarter-final clash.
Bafana Ba Style will welcome the Dube Birds at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 12 August 2023.
The much-awaited showdown will kick off at 15:00, with Sundowns looking to maintain their fine form to the start of the new season.
Mokwena reckons that Maswaiswai are “a strong and quality side” to face, especially under the tutelage of his former mentor, Steve Komphela.
The 36-year-old coach went on to point out Swallows’ attacking speed, with the brilliance of Gabadinho Mhango and the experience of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kagiso Malinga as one of their major threats.
He further named the likes of Lantshane Phalane, Tlakusani Mthethwa, and Andile Jali as some of the players to watch out for.
RULANI MOKWENA ON MOROKA SWALLOWS PLAYERS THAT CAN HURT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“It’s a difficult team with some good players for sure,” said Mokwena during the MTN8 launch on Thursday.
“Swallows have potent striking force with a lot of different options. They have strikers that can be aggressive with Gabadinho Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Kagiso Malinga.
“They also got Tshediso Patjie as a winger, and you got possibilities of even going a little bit aggressive like they did against Cape Town City with Lindokuhle Mtshali and Ntsako Makhubela.”
Mokwena continued: “Strong double pivots with Lantshane Phalane, and they can play even with Tlakusani Mthethwa together with AJ [Andile Jali].
“They are a good team with a lot of quality, and they can do a lot of different things.”
Sundowns, however, are going into this game highly motivated and favourites to win it as they are unbeaten in the new PSL season.
So far, Mokwena’s charges are on a two-match unbeaten streak in the new campaign, having defeated Sekhukhune United 2-1 and Kaizer Chiefs with the same scoreline.
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