Larsen knows challenge awaiting Summerfield Dynamos

Summerfield Dynamos coach Clinton Larsen is realistic about his team’s chances in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

The KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League side would need to pull off one of the biggest shocks in South African football history if they are to topple the mighty Brazilians.

Sundowns have already seen off GladAfrica Championship leaders Richards Bay 4-0 in the Last 32, and defeated Dynamos’ fellow third-tier side Mathaithai 6-0 in the last round.

“I don’t think it is about us stopping Sundowns. This Nedbank Cup has just been a bonus for us this season,” Larsen said. “We all know the big prize is the [ABC Motsepe League] national playoffs for us. But the Nedbank has presented a huge opportunity for this group of players to showcase themselves individually.

“So, this game is not about getting to the semifinals, because beating Sundowns, nobody seems to be able to do it. They are a free-scoring team, the best team on the continent at the moment.

“Who are we, from this little team from Chatsworth, to take down the giants of Africa? I have been in the semis of this cup in the past, you need a bit of luck.

“But it is all about my players going out there enjoying the occasion, giving maximum effort and making it difficult for Sundowns because at the moment we all know they are unstoppable.”

Dynamos may not be able to match the skill of Sundowns, but as Larsen explains, at the very least they can be ready for the physical challenge.

“On a physical level I think the boys are ready. We’ve trained with intensity throughout the season,” he said. “We are not an amateur team that trains three days a week, we train every single day.

“I don’t think that fitness is going to be a problem. We all know that with Sundowns, you defend for a large portion of the game.

“Their average possession ratio is 60 to 65 per cent. So, what’s important is what we do with the remaining per cent when we have the ball.

“How can we hurt Sundowns with the limited possession we have? Not many teams have managed to do that, and it is up to us to come up with a plan on how we use it.”