Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a ‘bullish’ claim about the MTN8 title this season as they gear up to face Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns have been a dominant force in the SA top-flight for many seasons, winning seven league titles in a row and a few cup competitions, such as the Nedbank Cup in the progress.
However, the 2016 CAF Champions League winners have struggled to clinch the MTN8, winning it once in the past five seasons.
In the last eight, Sundowns defeated Polokwane City FC 1-0 after extra-time. Last season, the Tshwane giants were unlucky as they were defeated by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates 3-1 on penalties in the final. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of playing time.
To clinch the MTN8 title this season it will be a mountain to climb for Masandwana. On Wednesday evening, they will face stubborn Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the semi-final. The match is set to start at 7:00PM in Pretoria.
The return fixture will then be played on Sunday, 1 September as Sundowns will travel to KZN. The match will be played at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium at 3PM.
WHAT MANQOBA MNGQITHI SAID ABOUT THE MTN8 TITLE
The former Golden Arrows coach confidently asserted that he would be the inaugural coach to clinch the MTN8 title in its current format, where the prize money has been increased to a substantial R10 million from the previous R8 million.
“I was the first to win the MTN8 [with Golden Arrows]. Again, we are going to be the first ones to win the MTN8 with a prize of R10 million,” said Mngqithi.
The experienced mentor further went on to comment about their semi-final opponents, ‘The Stellies.
“We approach any macrocycle the same way. We had a four-day cycle to prepare for this match, which is our maximum for any match if we have time. Normally, we play every two or three days.
“Everybody has adapted vey well, we are playing against a team that plays very well. It’s a team that reminds me of my old Golden Arrows team.”
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