Former Chloorkop forward Rodney Ramagalela has outlined how Golden Arrows can exploit Mamelodi Sundowns’ vulnerabilities in the MTN8 following injury blows to Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena.
The Brazilians host Abafana Bes’thende in their MTN8 semi-final first-leg tie at Atteridgeville’s Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday, 23 August, with kick-off set for 15:00. Sundowns sealed their spot in the last four after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Polokwane City FC at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Arrows booked their semi-final ticket after causing an upset against Kaizer Chiefs, whom they beat 1-0 at the FNB Stadium in their quarter-final encounter.
Analysing the upcoming fixture, Ramagalela highlighted Arrows’ decent start to the campaign under coach Pitso Dladla, emphasising that winning the midfield battle will prove decisive.
RAMAGALELA EVALUATES IMPACT OF MUDAU AND MOKOENA ABSENCES
“I think Golden Arrows have started the season well; they are a very exciting team with young players. It’s a game where they need to understand Mamelodi Sundowns’ weaknesses, which I believe Pitso Dladla has already worked on,” Ramagalela told FARPost.
“I would like to see them win the battle in midfield because that’s where Sundowns are very strong.”
With defender Khuliso Mudau ruled out for six months, Ramagalela noted that the Durban-based side can capitalise on transition moments to destabilise the Sundowns’ defence.
“With Khuliso Mudau out at Sundowns, I believe they stand a chance with the counterattacks they can create. They will have to ensure that they make good choices and decisions in the final third to be able to hurt Mamelodi Sundowns,” he stated.
Despite the absence of influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, the former striker insists Sundowns retain sufficient depth to manage squad rotation seamlessly.
“So, with Teboho Mokoena also on the sidelines, I think Bathusi Aubaas, having played in the last game, has shown that he has the quality to carry on. That’s what you get at Sundowns; every player that comes in does the same job as the other player who is injured or suspended,” Ramagalela added.
“You can tell with the boy Cassius Mailula; I think he’s one player we can say that whenever he’s on the pitch, you can’t take your eyes off him because he’s going to punish you. That’s a trend that Mamelodi Sundowns has.”
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