Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has opened up on how their CAF Champions League focus influences their approach to Tuesday’s Betway Premiership showdown with Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Brazilians arrive in Polokwane fresh from last week’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Al Hilal Omdurman at Loftus Versfeld. It was a match in which Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso carved out the grim record of becoming the first coach in charge of a Betway Premiership side to fail to beat Al Hilal at home.
It was also the first time Al Hilal had scored against PSL opposition on South African soil. Masandawana’s performance angered their fans, who chanted Pitso Mosimane’s name after the match, while a supporter also splashed water on sporting director Flemming Berg.
Even after watching Sundowns reclaim PSL top spot after beating Orbit 2-0 early last week, Sundowns fans could not be pacified when their team dropped two Champions League points in their own backyard.
That piles pressure on Cardoso and his men going into the Sekhukhune match. They are level on 29 points with second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have an inferior goal difference. However, the Buccaneers have the advantage of a game in hand.
But as Sundowns face Babina Noko, they are partly focusing on their trip to Al Hilal for Friday’s encounter. They visit the Sudanese giants on the back of sharing spoils in their last two continental matches, a run that puts them under pressure to win on the road.
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“We are excited, we are looking forward to the game. We know it’s a very important game for the team. Also, the morale of the team is going to help us going forward into the Champions League game,” said Mokoena.
“Both teams are motivated, I think. Sekhukhune played well against Pirates, and they are a good side; it won’t be an easy game for us.
“If we can show up and match their hunger, our collective force will definitely surface.
“We take one game at a time. Of course, we are aware of how the log standing is, but we just take it one game at a time.”
Having entered a critical stage of their season, Sundowns are feeling the pressure after missing out on the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. However, hopes of ending the season with a treble are still alive, but they have to win the PSL title, the Nedbank Cup, and the Champions League.
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