Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse has noted the threat of fatigue among players returning from Bafana Bafana duty ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final between the Brazilians and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Both finalists contributed the bulk of players to the South Africa national team, which took part in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the international friendly match against Egypt.
Pirates had seven players, while Masandawana contributed the most with 13 men in coach Pitso Mosimane’s squad. Also, two Buccaneers stars, Deon Hotto and Gamphani Lungu, went for national team duty with Namibia and Zambia respectively.
Sundowns defender Divine Lunga was also with the Zimbabwe national side. More players went to the South Africa national Under-23 outfit, which faced Algeria in back-to-back international friendly matches against Algeria.
Pirates provided five first-team players while Sundowns had two men in Raymond Mdaka’s side.
FATIGUE COULD TAKE ITS TOLL ON PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS PLAYERS IN MTN8 FINAL
Pieterse is concerned the two giants could be having tired legs going into the MTN8 final but says that should not be used as an excuse. Already, some Masandawana players who were with Bafana, like Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, are fitness concerns.
“To be honest, I feel like obviously a lot of our players have been playing in the national team, so a lot of tired legs,” said Pieterse on the Mamelodi Sundowns Pitchside Podcast.
“But we don’t want to make any excuses. The same as Pirates, they have had players who were fielded in the national team.”
While Pieterse is concerned about possible fatigue, Kekana is more worried about the long wait for the final. The just-ended FIFA international break lasted three weeks.
“While I was still playing, I didn’t want to have this kind of long week to prepare. I didn’t like to wait because the streets are talking,” Kekana said
“Remember, we are from different families, and you might find out that part of your family is supporting the other team. So, the longer we waited, the more I got anxious about wanting to deliver this thing, wanting to show them. I just wanted to shut them out.”
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