Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi recently expressed that he is well aware of what Dan Malesela will bring to the table when the Brazilians face Marumo Gallants in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Cup at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The Bloemfontein-based side booked their ticket in the competition’s last four courtesy of a 1-0 win against Stellenbosch FC at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on 3 November.
As for Sundowns, the reigning Betway Premiership champions recorded an emphatic 4-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs in their quarterfinal tie that took place at the FNB Stadium on 2 November.
Also, the Brazilians already had one over their upcoming opponents this season after bagging a 4-1 win in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld back in September.
Crunch time in the #CarlingKnockout! 🙌
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 8, 2024
âš˝ Marumo Gallants vs Mamelodi Sundowns
đź“… 10 November
⏰ 15H00
🏟 Dr Molemela Stadium
🎟 https://t.co/rmXarQidiD
đź“ş SS 202 & SABC 1 #Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/Uiy7acAIU1
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on the upcoming tie, Gallants coach Dan Malesela expressed that his side are feeling confident and that they will limit their respect to Sundowns this weekend.
“We are very confident. The one big issue is trying to remove fear,” Malesela said.
“Yes, we must respect them, but it must be reasonable respect, and it shouldn’t go up to when your match starts and you end up focusing more on Sundowns and you forget about yourself.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Downs coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes that Gallants lack cutting edge in the attacking third despite playing a good brand of football under Malesela.
“I have always thought he is one of the best coaches, but I have also felt in the past that he’s not very incisive, and he does not play to kill,” Mngqithi said.
“I’m so happy when I see him bring all the new elements into the game because I think that is where he was falling short, because our bosses want points and to win matches.
“He has developed a lot of players in the process because he plays the right type of football, but unfortunately that type of football does not always bring the results.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marumo Gallants: Siyabulela Shai – The former Downs star showcased his quality in the competition earlier this season after scoring the winning goal against Stellenbosch in the quarterfinals.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Arthur Sales – As a player who is slowly being integrated into the Downs attacking set-up, Sales’s form has been on an upward trajectory in the last couple of weeks. Following a scintillating performance against Polokwane City last time out, the Brazilian could well get the nod against Gallants this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first Carling Knockout meeting between Gallants and Sundowns
LAST FIVE LEAGUE RESULTS
2021/22 Marumo Gallants 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
2021/22 Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Marumo Gallants
2022/23 Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Marumo Gallants
2022/23 Marumo Gallants 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Marumo Gallants